How many combatant commands are there in total?

The total number of combatant commands is 11. This total includes both geographic commands, which are responsible for operations in specific regions of the world, and functional commands, which have responsibilities that cut across geographic boundaries. Each command operates under the unified command structure of the U.S. Department of Defense, providing a coordinated approach to defense operations and responsibilities.

The 11 combatant commands are designed to ensure that military resources and efforts are effectively managed and deployed in alignment with national security objectives. The breakdown typically includes commands like U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for the Middle East, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for Africa, and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which focuses on special operations globally. Understanding the structure and number of these commands is essential for comprehending how U.S. military strategy is organized and executed.