There is renewed debate over reducing the number of combatant commands, with advocates citing cost savings and improved unity of effort. Secretary Hegseth argues that streamlining command structures—particularly by cutting general and flag officer billets—would increase readiness. While views vary, one region stands out as strategically essential and well-suited for consolidation: the Western Hemisphere.

The current division between U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command creates a seam that adversaries exploit. A single, threat-based command—call it USAMERICOM—would replace fixed geographic boundaries with operational alignment against transnational threats: criminal networks, state-sponsored influence, cyber activity, and mass migration. These threats span regions and exploit

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