J3 Operations Directorate

Mission

Shapes the environment within the Area of Responsibly in support of the Combatant Commander by conducting theater engagement, Counter-Narco Terrorism (CNT) activities, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief in order to promote democracy, stability, and collective approaches to regional security. When required, responds unilaterally or multilaterally to crises that threaten regional stability or national interest, and prepares to meet future hemispheric challenges 

Directorates are the functional divisions within SOUTHCOM. Each directorate is charged to support or manage an aspect of the mission. Click on the links below to learn more about each directorate.

Director J1 Manpower & Personnel: Air Force Col. Jeff E. Elliott

Director J2 Intelligence: Army Maj. Gen. Dustin A. Shultz

Director​ J3 Operations: Coast Guard Rear Adm. Adm. Thomas Allan

Director J4 Logistics: Marine Col. Douglas R. Burke

Director J5 Strategy, Policy, and Plans: Marine Brig. Gen. Julie L. Nethercot

Director J6 Communication Systems: Army Col. Anne-Marie R. Wiersgalla

Director​ J7/9 Exercises and Coalition: Kevin J. Bostick

Director J8 Resources & Analysis: Dr. Adam Winkleman

Congressional Affairs Chief: Elizabeth Gonzalez

SOUTHCOM Inspector General: Army Col. Eric W. Nylander

Staff Judge Advocate: Navy Capt. Elysia Ng-baumhackl

Public Affairs Chief: Army Col. Manny Ortiz

Chaplain: Navy Capt. Santiago Rodriguez

Command Surgeon: Army Col. Gerald W. Surrett