Partnerships vital to CENTCOM, AFRICOM

On February 14, the two generals nominated to lead U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) testified together in a confirmation hearing. Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III (CENTCOM nominee) and Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez (AFRICOM nominee) focused on the important role partnerships play in national defense strategy.

During the hearing, Austin praised the current CENTCOM commander, Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, saying that “General Mattis has led Central Command masterfully over these past two and a half years.” Austin went on to say that the years since 9/11 have demonstrated the importance of cooperation between U.S. government entities, including military, economic, and diplomatic agencies. In his statement, Austin said he would continue to work closely with senior military and civilian officials across government, and with partner nations’ government and military leaders.

In his opening statement, Rodriguez stated that he would work closely with joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational partners to address the challenges faced by AFRICOM. Rodriquez emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, and credited current AFRICOM commander Army Gen. Carter F. Ham with sustaining such partnerships among the 54 nations of Africa and “providing the foundation for our continued engagement across the continent and globally.”

For more on the nominees’ remarks, please follow the link below.
Centcom, Africom Nominees Tout Importance of Partnerships, Department of Defense