U.S. Army activates new psychological operations company focused on Africa

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The U.S. Army’s newest psychological operations unit will be dedicated to Africa, reflecting a broader shift 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 support the battalion’s psychological operations mission under U.S. Africa Command. According to the Army, Delta Company—already nicknamed “Drongo Company” —will conduct psychological operations “across contested environments” and support contingency operations throughout Africa.

The activation is part of a transformation effort within the Army’s special operations forces, itself part of a wider service-wide reorganization.

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” Namesake

Delta Company’s nickname comes from a small bird native to Africa. Despite its size, the drongo is a predator. According to the Army, its success stems from its ability to mimic other animals and drive away competition—a form of subversion that aligns with Army PSYOP tactics.

Unit Background

The 7th Psychological Operations Battalion, based at Fort Bragg, was activated in 2011. It was previously assigned to the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) —known publicly for its ominous and trippy recruitment and sizzle reel videos—but is now organic to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) .

Like other PSYOP units, its mission is less directly violent and focuses on shaping and influencing people in contested or occupied spaces.

Broader Strategic Context

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. At the same time, the 4th Psychological Operations Group has been expanding, with Delta Company as its latest addition.

The company’s creation comes amid a shift in U.S. military strategy in Africa:

• The U.S. 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.
• Gen. Dagvin Anderson, head of Africa Command, noted that U.S. strategy now focuses on boosting partner nations’ counterterrorism capabilities through joint training missions and the establishment of a new drone academy in Morocco.

Correction: 7/17/2026 — This article previously stated that the 7th Psychological Operations Battalion was assigned to the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). It previously was, but is currently organic to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

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