Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is performing work that US officials consider a relatively low investment that will pay great dividends in aiding Africans to resist terrorism. US forces are helping Africans with everything from building schools to airlifting troops and supplies to improving their military vehicle maintenance. Recent CJTF-HOA operations included USAF airmen conducting combat search and rescue training.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.