Interagency cooperation brings results for Combatant Commands

Interagency, or whole-of-government efforts have grown in scope and prevalence over the past several years.  While many initially viewed these endeavors as a passing fad, interagency efforts continue to bring results.

U.S. combatant commands have embraced interagency collaboration.  Many commands – including U.S. European Command (EUCOM), U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), and U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) – have specific J9 models, while other commands – U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) – have interagency directorates, but are not assigned a “J code” designation.

These efforts have had a major empact on EUCOM in particular.  Interagency collaboration was introduced at EUCOM three years ago when Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis assumed command.  Stavridis had seen the benefits of interagency cooperation first hand while at SOUTHCOM, and believed such efforts would help align EUCOM and NATO.  EUCOM’s interagency directorate now has a staff composed of military members and DoD civilians, as well as representatives from the departments of State, Justice, the FBI, USAID, and other U.S. government agencies. The interagency partnerships have become an integral part of “Smart Defense.”

For more information about EUCOM’s interagency efforts, please follow the links below.
“‘Whole-of-Government’ Focus Boosts Eucom’s Effectiveness,” Department of Defense
J9 – Interagency Partnering, United States European Command