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On 1/16/2008 10:36:40 AM Brig Gen Paul F. Capasso wrote
InfoTech Revolution Empowering Africans, Breaking Down Barriers
The miracle of information technology (IT)! It does not take one long to notice that the information revolution is making the world a better place. It is also not a secret that the power of information technology offers a unique opportunity to enable economic growth, increase government capacity, and empower individual capabilities on the African continent.
Given the extraordinary value placed on the sharing of information, the harnessing of collaboration tools and mobility are two important catalysts which will have the most impact in Africa. These capabilities will break down "information" barriers necessary to facilitate communication on issues affecting countries and will allow for the pollination of new ideas.
Key to the success of these capabilities will be the ability to provide low cost devices and easy access to the internet. As the world considers placing more emphasis on the "I" portion of IT, emphasis must continue to be placed on the "T" part of the equation to ensure African nations can take full advantage of the information revolution.
The ability to communicate and to receive accurate information is even more important when responding to disaster situations. Collaboration and access are crucial elements for leveling the playing field.
Standards, the use of interoperable and open systems, and common policies and procedures will also go a long way to ensure one can reduce the complexities of the disaster environment. The sharing of accurate and timely information is not only critical in understanding the needs of those affected by a disaster, but also in enabling a coordinated, comprehensive, timely and effective capability to respond quickly to minimize the loss of life and property.
USAFRICOM hopes to support African efforts in implementing their programs and initiatives to forge long-term stability, security, and economic growth through the use of enabling information technologies and effective partnerships.
PAUL F. CAPASSO, Brigadier General USAF Director, C4 Systems U.S. Africa Command
On 2/1/2008 4:24:59 AM Leonso in Augusta, Georgia wrote There are some initiatives largely driven by the United States in the hopes of formatting cooperation and standardization. ECOWAS Regional Information exchange system (ERIES) to a certain point has been in the right direction. Yet there still exist many obstacles to achieve interoperability. An exercise in the magnitude of Combined Endeavor with partnership with industry and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will somehow make this goal attainable. My personal experience was in the modernization and introduction of Automated Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Tool (Spectrum XXI) to the Botswana Defense Force was difficult. There were plenty of IT professionals there, yet there were no Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases in place to sustain the transfer of technology or training. I was limited to demonstrate the capabilities of a powerful tool that may have been useful for the management of military and commercial spectrum. The lack of training packages and software will continue to affect the many nations. Yet the ability to communicate with our partner nations with a common standard can be an achievable goal.
Just some points to consider.
On 1/25/2008 3:56:44 PM SMSgt. Ronald Parks in Yokota AB Japan wrote Providing our new partners in Africa with the right set of collaboration tools is very important. However if we don't provide the necessary tools to improve the information infrastucture in our partner countries it will be a waste of a valuable resource and oppurtunity. If AFRICOM helps provide the necessary resources to improve the IT infrastructure in the new Coalition partners not only will we help out the militaries in those countries but it will also foster better relationships with the civillian populace.
On 1/22/2008 7:45:25 PM Victor in San Antonio, Tx wrote Great article You are the right man of vision as the first IT Leader in AFRICOM. Just as you led USTRANSOM in being successful in its global mission, I am fully confident that our new outreach to Africa will be greatly increased by your results.
Proud to Serve, Victor [email addr deleted for privacy]
On 1/17/2008 5:46:14 AM Miles in Alexandria wrote Disasters have the worst impact in locations least able to deal with them. If basic infrastructure such as electricity, clean water, and access to hospitals is in place, the severity of a disaster's impact is lessened considerably.
The T part of your equation presumes uninterrupted electricity and connectivity, a presumption difficult to validate on many parts of the continent.
I appreciate America's new focus on Africa through this new dedicated command, but pray that the most basic human needs are not overlooked when it comes time to allocate funds.
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