Which of the following is NOT a geographic combatant command?

Which of the following is NOT a geographic combatant command?

• A. USAFRICOM
• B. USCENTCOM
• C. USCYBERCOM
• D. USNORTHCOM

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the difference between geographic and functional Combatant Commands. Geographic commands have a defined, region-wide area of responsibility, guiding operations within that specific part of the world. For example, commands like Africa, Central, and Northern Command focus on Africa, the Middle East/Central region, and North America respectively, with distinct regional mandates. Functional commands, on the other hand, carry a global mission that isn’t limited to one geographic area—cyber operations, strategic forces, or transportation cut across regions as needed. All the geographic options listed have clear regional AORs, while the cyber command operates across the globe, coordinating cyberspace operations wherever necessary. That global, cross-regional remit is what makes it a functional command rather than a geographic one. So, USCYBERCOM is the correct choice because it is a functional command, not a geographic combatant command.

The key idea here is the difference between geographic and functional Combatant Commands. Geographic commands have a defined, region-wide area of responsibility, guiding operations within that specific part of the world. For example, commands like Africa, Central, and Northern Command focus on Africa, the Middle East/Central region, and North America respectively, with distinct regional mandates. Functional commands, on the other hand, carry a global mission that isn’t limited to one geographic area—cyber operations, strategic forces, or transportation cut across regions as needed.

All the geographic options listed have clear regional AORs, while the cyber command operates across the globe, coordinating cyberspace operations wherever necessary. That global, cross-regional remit is what makes it a functional command rather than a geographic one.

So, USCYBERCOM is the correct choice because it is a functional command, not a geographic combatant command.