African Mission

Africa could become a swamp of terror. (Our story is here.) In that huge continent, US forces—airmen, marines, sailors, and soldiers—are engaged in another type of war against terror. There the troops are mainly support units rather than combat forces. The job is to help plan and build schools, work on roads and fix bridges, and provide medical and dental care, among other basic but essential functions, says Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Timothy Ghormley, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. The tours vary from six months to a year, and the troops include active and reserves.