Townsend confirmed to lead AFRICOM

The Senate yesterday confirmed Army Gen. Stephen Townsend as the chief of U.S. Africa Command.

As the head of AFRICOM, Townsend will be responsible for military relations with African nations, the African Union and African regional security organizations. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser had led the command since July 2016.

Townsend previously served as the head of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, since last March, and before that commanded the XVIII Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg, NC.

Lt. Gen. Paul Funk will replace Townsend as TRADOC chief, according to a press release from the Army. Funk currently serves as commanding general of III Armored Corps and Ft. Hood, TX.