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U.S. Central Command Posture Summary (March 9, 2017)

Core Content

General Joseph L. Votel, Commander of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), presented a comprehensive statement on the security environment and strategic priorities in the Central Region. The statement outlines the complex and volatile nature of the region, the multifaceted security challenges, and the necessity of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to counter terrorism and promote stability.

Main Points

• USCENTCOM Team
  The team is composed of highly capable and dedicated personnel who operate in a challenging environment. Their efforts are essential to protecting and promoting U.S. national interests and values globally.

• Central Region Overview

  • Spans over 4 million square miles with a population of over 550 million.
  • Home to 20 nations with diverse political systems and economic conditions.
  • A hub for global commerce and critical infrastructure.
  • Characterized by instability, conflict, and the presence of violent extremist organizations (VEOs) such as ISIS and al Qaeda.

• Drivers of Instability

  • Ethnic and sectarian tensions (e.g., Shia-Sunni, Arab-Persian).
  • Economic uncertainty and low oil prices.
  • Large youth populations facing poverty and unemployment.
  • Ungoverned spaces exploited by VEOs.
  • Civil wars and humanitarian crises.
  • Geopolitical competition, particularly from Russia and China.

• Security Challenges

  • Trans-regional and multi-domain threats (land, sea, air, space, cyberspace).
  • The rise of a "virtual caliphate" through cyber and social media platforms.
  • The need for a combined military and non-military strategy to address root causes of instability.

• Strategic Approach
  USCENTCOM employs a three-part strategy: Prepare, Pursue, and Prevail.

  • Prepare – Ensures readiness, presence, and strong relationships with partners.
  • Pursue – Seeks opportunities to proactively shape the security environment.
  • Prevail – Aims to achieve decisive outcomes in conflict while maintaining influence and access.

• Key Priorities

  • Ensure an effective posture with trained forces and equipment.
  • Strengthen alliances and partnerships through collaboration and capacity building.
  • Deter and counter state aggressors.
  • Disrupt and counter VEOs and their networks.
  • Address the trans-regional threat of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).

Critical Operations and Missions

• Operation INHERENT RESOLVE

  • Focuses on countering ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
  • Utilizes a "by, with, and through" coalition approach.
  • Includes precision strikes, cyber operations, and information campaigns.
  • Significant progress has been made, including the loss of territory and leadership, and a decline in ISIS media influence.

• Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL and Resolute Support Mission

  • Ongoing operations in Afghanistan to support local forces and counter extremist groups.

• Iran and Regional Tensions

  • Iran's influence and actions in the region, including support for proxies and tensions with U.S. allies.

• Yemen

  • U.S. support for UAE-led operations against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

• Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

  • Emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy involving military, political, and humanitarian efforts.

Desired End States

USCENTCOM aims to achieve the following outcomes in the Central Region:

• A secure and stable environment that supports regional cooperation.
• Protection of U.S. and partner interests.
• Free flow of commerce and access under international law.
• Deterrence of state aggressors.
• Prevention of the spread of terrorism and extremism.
• Safeguarding of WMDs and preventing their use.
• Lasting regional stability and security.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges

  • Persistent conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
  • Rising tensions with Iran and its proxies.
  • The threat of chemical and biological weapons.
  • Limited resources and the need for efficient use of capabilities.

• Opportunities

  • Partner-led operations that reduce U.S. military footprint.
  • Bilateral and multilateral exercises and training.
  • Enhanced information sharing and intelligence cooperation.
  • Support for regional forces such as the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Conclusion

General Votel emphasized the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach to address the complex security challenges in the Central Region. He stressed the necessity of integrating military and non-military efforts, strengthening relationships with partners, and maintaining a robust and flexible posture to ensure long-term stability and security.