Chief of staff of newest U.S. geographic command visits Vance

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lynn Aird
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  During his visit to Vance as the guest speaker for the graduation of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 09-10, Maj. Gen. Michael A. Snodgrass, chief of staff for U.S. Africa Command, discussed the newest unified combatant command.

The general spoke about the role of Africa Command on the world's stage and the progress it has made since its inception.

"Africa Command went from a concept in fall of 2006 to an initial capability in 2007," General Snodgrass explained. "And in the last 18 months we have gone from a small group of dedicated professionals to a staff of 1,000 inhabiting 15 buildings and working with 53 nations." 

Africa Command was created in response to a growing realization of Africa's significance in a global context. Prior to the creation of Africa Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Pacific Command had divided responsibility for U.S. military operations in Africa. Africa Command was established Oct. 1, 2007, as a temporary sub-unified command under U.S. European Command, and was formally activated Oct. 1, 2008.

"In dealing with the issues that face Africa, we've had to change our own thinking more than anything else. The Air Force is used to dealing with high-end combat situations, but here we're facing a completely different problem set," said General Snodgrass. "The militaries here are looking more for training to increase professionalism, techniques for how to employ their forces or support with their equipment."

All U.S. geographic commands are responsible for planning, directing and executing joint U.S. military operations in their assigned area. In responding to the needs of African nations, U.S. Africa Command operates in such a way that the military, in many cases, plays a secondary role to other efforts.

"We are helping the militaries to improve--they want to get to the point where they are functional enough to take care of their own problems, as well as be able to assist neighboring countries," said General Snodgrass. "So we take an individual look at all 53 nations, keeping a dialogue open with their leaders as well as our ambassadors. Our role is much more of a supporting one."

According to the general the U.S. military is in an excellent position to help African militaries expand their capabilities. The Air Force in particular, being globally deployed and engaged and possessing such a wide range of skills, is in a unique position to foster the development of these nations' militaries and move them toward the level of capability they hope to attain.

"It's been a whirlwind and an intellectual challenge to accommodate the various duties," said General Snodgrass. "But the future of our engagement stems from helping our friends and allies to have stronger, more professional militaries."