USAFSOS prepares for arrival of Africa Command Published Aug. 17, 2007 By Maj. J.P. Peltier USAFSOS Hurlburt Field, FL -- The U.S. Air Force Special Operations School is getting ready as the Department of Defense speeds toward the creation of a new command that's focused on Africa. The Sub-Saharan Africa Orientation Course has been recently refocused to meet the growing U.S. national security interests in the region. As such, we invite all military and government civilians with a professional interest in Africa to attend our upcoming iteration of the course. We have added many new features to the course that promise to be exciting and worthwhile as we prepare for Air Force Special Operations Command's role in the stand-up of AFRICOM. The next class will be held Aug. 20-24 at the USAFSOS. In anticipation of future U.S. Special Operations Command and the AFSOC African operational requirements, the course has been adjusted to ensure current and relevant material. The course objective is to prime students on the various issues affecting the African continent with U.S. national security issues and objectives. It focuses on four areas: introduction into the region and U.S. interest in the region; international interest and security issues; geographical focus and practical information for operating in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of the course is to provide the necessary framework to facilitate an individual's understanding of the dynamics in the region. This sub-Saharan framework is intended to improve the decision making process for those involved in planning for or deploying to operations on the continent. The SAOC is an interactive course and it greatly benefits from student involvement by asking questions or voicing concerns. The course has speakers who have serviced in Africa: - Capt. Richard Heimerle is the advisor on defense affairs for the vice president and served 33 months as the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Africa branch chief. He will discuss the U.S. national interest in sub-Saharan Africa. - Col. Eric Fournier is a French marine who participated in combat operations in Africa and was a combat instructor and director of operations at two schools in Africa. He will offer practical information in regards to operating in sub-Saharan Africa. - Dr. William Reno is an internationally renowned scholar in African politics and the politics of "collapsing states." He will offer advice on how to communicate with individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. For more information on the speakers or the course, call Maj. J.P. Peltier at 884-7224.