Following is an interview with Senior Development Advisor to U.S. Africa Command Mark A. White, who reported for duty on October 11, 2010. What is your title here at U.S. Africa Command? I am the senior development advisor to the commander, General Ward. One might ask what that title means. I look at my role as one where I infuse development expertise into the command. General Ward has told me that he wants me to work on all levels at the command, helping to shape processes, provide practical suggestions/advice and to bring the development perspective into the mix. I also see my role as facilitating the coordination between USAID missions and AFRICOM. Having a senior development advisor working in the command is a true reflection of how the three Ds (Diplomacy, Development and Defense) can be operationalized. What is the length of your assignment here? My term is for two years -- with an option to extend an additional year. How does your job help U.S. Africa Command in its mission to promote security and stability in Africa? Achieving a sustainable level of peace, security and stability, in my opinion, is not a vertical act, and is best achieved when approached comprehensively. Development is vital for both security and stability to thrive. For example, countries are more likely to be stable if they have systems in place for the 'rule of law,' economic growth--including jobs and skills, education and improved health--just to name a few. All are essential components for sustainable success. My job is to bring in that development component and to serve as the nexus between organizations that have different cultures. Do you think your position at AFRICOM will help link the three Ds? (Development, Diplomacy and Defense) Most definitely. I would not have come if I didn't think I could make a difference and if I didn't believe in whole of government approach. I am a believer...and I have seen where working together can result in a more substantial impact than working alone. I have worked in collaboration with the U.S. military previously -- with very good results. More than just a cliché, the three Ds make perfect sense. We can mutually reinforce our good work. That's important for me. What type of work is USAID doing in Africa? How can AFRICOM best support this work? The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States. In Africa, USAID works to help African governments, institutions and organizations incorporate good governance principles and innovative approaches to health, education, economic growth, agriculture, and the environment. We strive for productive innovation--and to be on the cutting edge of new science and technology approaches as they relate to development. It's all about creating a better quality of life for people in developing nations. How can AFRICOM help? AFRICOM is well on the right track. Promoting interagency collaboration at the command and continuing to stress the 'whole of government' approach is smart and practical. The Theater Security Cooperation Conference is a bold and innovative step toward bringing different government agencies together to discuss goals and objectives and moving forward in one common direction. After all, we all want the same thing: peace, security and stability for countries on the African continent. As articulated, the role of the military is one of support to U.S. government efforts on the continent and assisting host country governments and militaries in promoting security and regional stability. I see and hear this intent on a daily basis. It's also pretty clear that one of the major roles of the U.S. military is in building military-to-military capacities and relations. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a dedicated mission and to see the commitment of those working in U.S. Africa Command. You have lived in a lot of African countries. What do you see as the most important development opportunities there? Yes, I have been blessed to have lived and worked in many African (and Asian) countries. However, I still hesitate to call myself an "expert." Africa is so diverse. In terms of opportunities, first and foremost, we have an opportunity to 'listen to the people.' To listen and learn; assumptions should be kept at a minimum. We can develop stronger training programs; improve political and economic systems; promote an enabling environment for peace/stability...by listening and incorporating one's culture/belief system into our development approaches. My development mantra is to strive for: 'people-to-people level impact' Can you tell me a little about your previous work in Timor-Leste and Afghanistan?
How has this helped to prepare you for your work in Africa? In Timor-Leste, I was the USAID Mission Director responsible for managing $24 million in Economic Support Funds. I didn't do this alone, I directed a staff of 30 direct employees, and an extended staff of over 75 contractor and grantees and consultants. Our strategy in Timor-Leste included three strategic objectives: Accelerated Economic Growth; Key Foundations of Good Governance Strengthened; and Improved Health of the Timorese People, especially Women and Children at Greatest Risk. I also worked with the U.S. Embassy to secure 1207 funds. We were successful, and funding will be used to bridge the gap of distrust between the community and the police. There were also some activities designed to improve the capacity of the military and related training. In Afghanistan I ran an office with a $590 million portfolio. It was, at the time, the U.S. government's largest health and education program. We did quite a bit of work with the U.S. military in Afghanistan and I saw the compounded benefits of USAID working with the military, especially in education where, together, we were able to provide books to over two million school kids. We could not have done that without the military assistance. This peaked my curiosity and thus led (years later) to my interest in working with U.S. Africa Command. So now...I am here! What are you most looking forward to about your position at AFRICOM? Hmmm--a potentially loaded question. I am looking forward to bringing the development viewpoint. I'm looking forward to working with a team of committed interagency colleagues and learning more about how the military operates. I'm looking forward to being a part of making the 3 Ds achieve big impacts. I believe the American people are depending on us to do just that. What do you hope to accomplish during your time at AFRICOM? I am a self-starter--driven by impact and results. It is my goal to help fill the development gaps that may exist in the command; to work collaboratively and to promote an esprit de corps (team spirit); to clarify misunderstandings where needed and provide stellar advice and recommendations as it relates to the goals of the command. Taking it a step further, I need to see my inputs reflected in plans, strategies and actions. In addition to that, I also hope to answer the following questions: How can we improve systems such as democracy, governance, civil society, health systems, and HIV/AIDS as they relate to security? What can I do in the long and short term to help alleviate human suffering? How do peace, security and civilian populations relate? What are you most looking forward to about living and working in Germany? I lived in so many developing countries, that I'm now experiencing culture shock in Germany. A BlackBerry -- what is that? I look forward to learning more about the culture, the people and my environment. Wherever I go, I try to learn as much as possible about my environment. I want to discover Europe and enjoy the food, and of course, meet new colleagues and friends.