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U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, greets Rear Adm. Brian Losey, CJTF-HOA commander, on arrival at Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Aug. 16, 2010.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mickey West

On his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Aug. 17, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, who assumed command of U.S. Army Africa June 10, described the similarities and differences vis-a-vis his previous assignment as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Both theaters are about building relationships with a variety of personnel to include U.S. embassies, host nation — or nations in the case of Africa; it is about training the trainer, partnerships and capacity building,” said Hogg.

U.S. Army Africa stood up in 2008 as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command to conduct sustained security partnering with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace.

“Here in Africa, we are at phase zero trying to prevent conflict from happening in the future versus trying to end a conflict that is ongoing,” Hogg said.

As he transitions into command, Hogg said he has specific objectives in mind. High on his priority list is setting up the command; assigning personnel into positions where they are able to support U.S. Army forces; putting procedures in place to make travel and communication more effective within Africa; and ensuring Soldiers are receiving the appropriate training requirements before deploying to CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA focuses on building friendships and creating partnerships that lead to African solutions to African challenges. This will be accomplished by improving security, increasing stability and strengthening the region’s independence, Hogg said.

“It is not about kicking in doors or four-man stacks, it’s about working with the locals, building capacity and being in support of the U.S. embassies,” he said.

Unlike theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the mission in Africa is non-kinetic. “It is the soft power that is being used, and it shows a different side of the Americans that the locals see and hear,” said Hogg.

Since CJTF-HOA was established in 2002, it has incorporated diplomatic missions and humanitarian projects into its operations to win “hearts and minds” in areas that may be susceptible to terrorist recruitment.

Departing CJTF-HOA, Hogg had a simple message for all service members: “Thank you for a job well done. This is not an easy environment, but the mission is a good mission and there is progress being made in this region.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

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