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ConflictUS Army activates new psychological operations company 'Drongo' focused on Africa
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The US Army has officially activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, nicknamed 'Drongo Company,' at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on July 15. The new unit will operate under US Africa Command, focusing on psychological operations across contested environments in Africa. The activation is part of a broader transformation of Army special operations forces and a shift in US military strategy on the continent, moving away from direct combat toward influencing and shaping perceptions. The company's nickname derives from a small African bird known for mimicry and subversion. This expansion comes as the US reduces its combat footprint in Africa, closing drone bases in Niger and withdrawing troops from Nigeria, while emphasizing partner nation capacity building through training and a new drone academy in Morocco.
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The U.S. Army’s newest psychological operations unit will be focused on Africa, as the United States shifts away from direct combat against militants on the continent.
On Wednesday, July 15, the 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) officially activated Delta Company, 7th Psychological Operations Battalion. The new company will assist the battalion in its psychological operations mission under U.S. Africa Command.
According to the Army, Delta Company — already nicknamed “Drongo Company” — will work on psychological operations “across contested environments” and support contingency operations on the continent.
The new company was established as part of a transformation effort within the Army’s special operations forces, itself part of a wider change underway across the service.
Army Capt. Richard Koch, the company’s first commander, said at the activation ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina:
“Starting today, we begin the hard work of building this company from the ground up, building a team that will be ready to operate and win in any environment. The legacy begins today.”
The “Drongo” Nickname
Delta Company’s nickname comes from a tiny bird in Africa. Despite its size, the drongo is a predator. According to the Army, it owes its success to its ability to mimic other animals and drive competition away — the kind of subversion that Army PSYOP units specialize in.
Background on the 7th Psychological Operations Battalion
- Based out of Fort Bragg, the 7th Psychological Operations Battalion was activated in 2011.
- It is part of the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), known publicly for its ominous and trippy recruitment and sizzle reel videos.
- Like other PSYOP units, its mission is less directly violent and aimed more at shaping and influencing people in contested or occupied spaces.
Broader Army Reforms
The Army has been overhauling its information and psychological warfare doctrine in recent years, deactivating older information commands and establishing smaller units focused on countering enemy psychological and disinformation campaigns. The 4th Psychological Operations Group has been expanding, with this new company becoming the latest addition.
Shift in U.S. Military Strategy in Africa
The company’s creation comes amid a shift in U.S. military strategy in Africa:
- The United States has stepped up its air war in Somalia against the Islamic State and al-Shabab.
- It has pulled back several combat units from other countries, including closing drone bases in Niger.
- After starting combat missions in Nigeria in late 2025, U.S. Africa Command withdrew combat troops earlier this month.
- The head of Africa Command, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, noted that the American strategy is focused on boosting partner nations’ capabilities in counterterrorism fights.
- Efforts include joint training missions and the establishment of a new drone academy in Morocco.
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US Army Activates New Psychological Operations Company Focused on Africa