SOUTHCOM is an acronym that stands for United States Southern Command. It refers to a combatant command of the United States Department of Defense, responsible for providing military support and coordination of US forces in the Southern Hemisphere. It is one of the eleven unified combatant commands under the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).
SOUTHCOM is headquartered in Doral, Florida, and its primary area of responsibility includes the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, spanning over 31 countries in this region. The command's mission is to conduct military operations, promote security cooperation, and enhance regional partnerships in this area.
As a combatant command, SOUTHCOM is tasked with a wide range of roles and responsibilities. These include promoting stability and security, conducting joint military exercises and training, supporting humanitarian and disaster relief operations, conducting counter-drug operations, and combating transnational organized crime in the region. They work closely with partner nations in the region to build capacity and strengthen regional security cooperation.
SOUTHCOM is led by a four-star general or admiral known as the Commander, United States Southern Command (COMSOUTHCOM). The command maintains a strong presence in the region through forward-deployed forces, including Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps units. As part of broader US defense strategy, SOUTHCOM plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of the Americas.
