U.S. Africa Command Trains Staff in Innovation

Military personnel in Stuttgart, Germany are learning to think like innovators, and the results could transform how the U.S. tackles challenges across Africa.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has launched a comprehensive training program designed to equip its staff with innovation skills. The courses, managed by the Warfighter Innovation Council, teach everything from basic problem-solving concepts to advanced project leadership.

"Innovation is one of Gen. Anderson's top three priorities," said Paul Landauer, AFRICOM's director of Resources and Assessments. "Innovation is a cultural decision."

The training offers four distinct levels to match different experience and interest. The introductory course, COCOM Innovation 101 Lesson 1, teaches basic innovation terminology and how to identify potential projects open to all AFRICOM personnel.

Lesson 2 dives deeper into problem-solution fit, helping participants analyze challenges and develop viable solutions. Both courses provide a foundation for anyone wanting to understand how innovation works in a military context.

For those ready to lead innovation efforts, AFRICOM partnered with North Carolina State University for a graduate-level course. The Innovation Project Leaders program teaches participants to design experiments that solve complex problems while earning college credits.

The program also includes specialized governance training for staff responsible for implementing innovation across the command. This course covers establishing structures, developing policies, and allocating resources to support creative initiatives.

Why This Inspires

AFRICOM's investment in innovation training shows how organizations can build problem-solving capabilities from the ground up. By offering tiered learning opportunities, the command ensures everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners can contribute fresh ideas.

The approach aligns with broader military transformation strategies focused on accelerating new capabilities. Rather than waiting for solutions to arrive from above, AFRICOM is empowering its own people to identify challenges and develop answers.

This commitment to learning reflects a deeper truth: innovation isn't just about technology or resources. It's about creating a culture where people feel equipped and encouraged to think differently.

When organizations invest in teaching their teams to innovate, they're building capacity that lasts long after any single project ends.