About Us

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), located in Doral, Florida, is one of 11 unified Combatant Commands (COCOMs) in the Department of War.

Area of Responsibility  |  SOUTHCOM Leadership and Staff  |  SOUTHCOM Commander's Imperatives

Vision & Mission Statements

Our Vision

U.S. Southern Command is a mission ready and trusted partner that works collaboratively to ensure the Western Hemisphere is secure, free, and prosperous.

Our Mission

U.S. Southern Command deters aggression, defeats threats, rapidly responds to crises, and builds regional capacity, working with our allies, partner nations, and U.S. government (USG) team members to enhance security and defend the U.S. homeland and our national interests.

SOUTHCOM is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation in its assigned Area of Responsibility which includes:

• Central America

• South America

• The Caribbean (except U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions)

The command is also responsible for the force protection of U.S. military resources at these locations.  SOUTHCOM is also responsible for ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal.

Under the leadership of a four-star commander, SOUTHCOM's staff is organized into directorates, component commands and Security Cooperation Organizations that represent SOUTHCOM in the region.

SOUTHCOM is a joint command comprised of military and civilian personnel representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and several other federal agencies.