Shedding Light on the Dark Continent: A Historical Perspective for U.S. Army Regional Alignment

The U.S. Army is in a transition period. After over a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, several units are in the process of regionally aligning activities with foreign militaries in support of Combatant Commanders' requirements. This transition period marks an important time for Army leaders and planners to reflect on the last several years of combat and to approach regional alignment with an eye toward incorporating lessons learned. One way regionally aligned forces can prepare for partnership activities is through a design process informed by historical case studies. The case study method is particularly useful for understanding the operational environment in complex regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to gain a deeper understanding of African militaries, planners would benefit from an appreciation for the European colonial experience. The colonial era had a dramatic impact upon the development of the political, social, and military institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Carl von Clausewitz offers a model to achieve a deeper understanding of war in the paradoxical trinity. His second trinity is a useful lens through which to examine the colonial experience and to draw implications for future engagement in the region. Two historical case studies, one of the British colonial experiences in Uganda and the other of the French experiences in Senegal, reveal a number of historical insights relevant to operational planners engaged in regional alignment activities.