Author: La Tabla/Data Journalism Platform 17 OCT 2025
The resignation of Admiral Alvin Holsey from the leadership of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) should not be interpreted as a mere administrative retirement: the timing, circumstances, and public signals suggest an underlying conflict that may be on the verge of eruption.
1. An Incomplete Mandate
The standard length of service for a SOUTHCOM commander is three years. Holsey took command in December 2024, but his retirement is set for December 12, 2025, merely a year later. What’s particularly striking is that the announcement came two months before he was to complete that first year, indicating an unplanned decision.
2. An Ongoing Agenda
In the days leading up to his resignation, Holsey was carrying out his official schedule in Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda, part of a long-term plan for SOUTHCOM. The continuity of these activities contrasts sharply with the suddenness of his departure, reinforcing the perception that the decision was abrupt.
3. Concerns Over Lethal Force Use
International media have confirmed that Holsey expressed concerns regarding the drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean, particularly those involving the use of lethal force against fast boats. These actions have led to crew fatalities, placing the commander in a delicate zone of personal and criminal responsibility. The chain of command in such operations is not always clearly defined, increasing the risk that accountability may fall squarely on him.
4. Absence of a Successor
As of now, no replacement has been announced, nor is there any information about an officer in training to take over, which has been the tradition in SOUTHCOM. This leadership void reinforces the notion that the departure was unexpected and not part of an orderly transition.
5. A Context of Regional Tensions
The resignation takes place amid a naval deployment in the Caribbean and increasing tensions with Venezuela and Cuba. In this context, Holsey’s departure creates uncertainty about the coherence of U.S. strategy and sends a signal of instability to both allies and adversaries.
Interpretative Conclusion
Admiral Alvin Holsey’s premature resignation is not an isolated event. It is a visible manifestation of a conflict between operational-military logic and the political demands of an increasingly aggressive interdiction campaign. His decision to step down can be interpreted as an attempt to avoid getting caught in the gray zone of penal and political responsibility that high-risk operations with dubious legality generate.
SOUTHCOM will continue to operate, but Holsey’s exit opens a strategic void and raises questions about the sustainability of U.S. strategy in the Caribbean.
