Unified combatant command

GCCMAP 2019

Seal of the United States Africa Command

Gen Michael E. Langley

Seal of United States Central Command

Michael E. Kurilla (4)

USEUCOM

Unified Combatant Command (UCC) is a United States Department of Defense agency that is responsible for a specific geographical area or a function across a wide geographical area. These commands are a key part of the U.S. military's chain of command, with broad strategic objectives requiring integrated, synchronized efforts across multiple services and agencies of the U.S. government. The President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, appoints the commanders of these commands, who are all four-star generals or admirals.

Overview

Unified Combatant Commands are established by the President of the United States through the United States Secretary of Defense with the advice and assistance of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Each UCC has a broad, continuing mission and is composed of forces from at least two United States Armed Forces branches. These commands are "unified" because they are composed of units from more than one service and are "combatant commands" because they are designed to carry out military operations.

Structure

The structure of a Unified Combatant Command includes a commander (a four-star general or admiral), a joint staff, and a special operations component, among others. The joint staff assists the commander in accomplishing their mission and is composed of officers from each of the services represented in the command. The special operations component is responsible for overseeing the special operations activities within the command's area of responsibility or functional area.

Types of Unified Combatant Commands

Unified Combatant Commands are categorized into two types: Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs) and Functional Combatant Commands (FCCs).

Geographic Combatant Commands

GCCs have a geographic area of responsibility (AOR) and are responsible for military operations in their designated areas. Examples include:

• United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM)
• United States Central Command (USCENTCOM)
• United States European Command (USEUCOM)
• United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM)
• United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)
• United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

Functional Combatant Commands

FCCs have a global area of responsibility focused on a specific function rather than a geographic location. Examples include:

• United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM)
• United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
• United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
• United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of a Unified Combatant Command is to conduct military operations and coordinate the actions of forces under its command to achieve strategic objectives. This includes planning and executing operations, conducting training and exercises, and developing strategies to counter potential threats. Each command works closely with U.S. ambassadors and other diplomatic personnel in their AOR to align military activities with diplomatic efforts.

History

The concept of Unified Combatant Commands was established after World War II, with the creation of the National Security Act of 1947. This act was part of a larger reorganization of the U.S. military and national security apparatus, aiming to improve coordination and integration among the different branches of the military.

Current Challenges

Unified Combatant Commands face numerous challenges in today's complex global security environment. These include adapting to emerging threats such as cyber warfare, countering violent extremist organizations, and addressing strategic competition with near-peer adversaries. Additionally, they must integrate innovative technologies and capabilities to maintain a strategic advantage.

See Also

• Military strategy
• Joint Chiefs of Staff
• National Security Act of 1947

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