The Defense Department has 11 combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war.
U.S. Africa Command protects and defends U.S. interests by strengthening the defense capabilities of African nations.
U.S. Central Command builds cooperation among nations throughout the Middle East, responding to crises, deterring and defeating threats, and increasing regional stability.
U.S. Cyber Command defends and advances national interests.
U.S. European Command works with NATO and partner nations to address security and defense in Europe and parts of the Middle East and Eurasia.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command works with its partners to promote development, enhance security, deter aggression and provide humanitarian assistance.
U.S. Northern Command deters, detects and defeats threats to the United States, conducts security cooperation activities with allies and partners, and supports civil authorities. Northcom's top priority is homeland defense.
U.S. Southern Command works with allies and partners across Central and South America to enhance peace, promote human rights, deter illegal activities and conduct multinational military exercises.
U.S. Space Command deters aggression and conflict, defends U.S. and allied freedom of action, delivers space combat power for the joint/combined force and develops warfighters to advance U.S. and allied interests in, from and through the space domain.
U.S. Special Operations Command oversees the various special operations components of the armed forces.
U.S. Strategic Command operates globally to deter and detect strategic attacks against the United States.
U.S. Transportation Command provides transportation capabilities for the military.