The breakout of the coronavirus (COVID-19) set in motion one of the most devastating global crises of our time. While COVID-19 started as a health crisis, the pandemic quickly morphed into a society-wide strategic, security and social economic crisis of monumental proportions.
This article argues that the current deployment of the military in several African countries to combat the COVID-19 pandemic attests to the value of these important assets across the world. The doctrine, competence, state of readiness and assets make the military an actor of choice when dealing with threatening situations, including pandemics. Its ability to continue executing this role and protecting society depends on the extent to which countries invest in enhancing their mission readiness.