The U.S. Army Chemical Corps and a future within AFRICOM

Abstract

The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) was established in October 2007 to encompass all U.S. operations on the African continent under one unified command. Several African nations have a history of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations, while most countries have a history of use as dumping grounds for hazardous materials and toxic industrial materials. Africa has also suffered extreme environmental degradation due to these and other causes. The U.S Army Chemical Corps has increased its capabilities to include not only chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations, but all hazardous material, toxic industrial material, and environmental operations for the U.S. Army. The Chemical Corps has also increased capabilities for disaster and crisis response and management since September 11, 2001, and utilized some of those capabilities during Hurricane Katrina. One of AFRICOM's primary goals is to build partner capacity so that African governments can provide security and respond in times of need. The Chemical Corps can assist with the realization of these goals.