U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Launches Advanced Capabilities Directorate for Enhanced Innovation and Decision-Making
On January 5, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) established the Advanced Capabilities Directorate (ACD) to enhance innovation and rapid procurement in modern warfighting. The ACD, which integrates the innovation division and operational data team, reports directly to the SETAF-AF chief of staff.
Lt. Col. Armand L.
Balboni has been appointed as the science and technology advisor. The ACD will support the exercise African Lion 2026, conducted from April 20 to May 8, which involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 30 nations.
The exercise will test over 45 technologies in realistic conditions, focusing on unmanned systems and advanced command-and-control architectures. The ACD aims to streamline procurement processes to deliver capabilities that enhance operational effectiveness in the field.
