The U.S. Army announced the selection of Austin, Texas, as the headquarters for the new Army Future Command on Friday, marking the most significant reorganization of the Army since the early 1970s.
The Futures Command, which began operating on July 1, will evaluate emerging threats, operational environments, and new technologies. Its overall goal is to identify and develop concepts, requirements, future force designs and material solutions that meet changing wartime needs.
“The establishment of the Army Futures Command is the best example of our commitment to the future readiness and lethality of the force,” U.S. Secretary of the Army Mark Esper said. “Army Futures Command will help fulfill the Army Vision by addressing the key shortcomings of the current acquisition system, providing unity of command, effort, and purpose to the entire modernization enterprise.”
Expected to reach full operational capacity next year, the Army Future Command will consist of about 500 employees. The Army’s eight cross-functional teams will operate under the command to expedite acquisition decisions.
“This is a big year for the Army because we believe that we need to significantly reform the way the Army does research and development, testing and evaluation, procurement and everything else that contributes to the modernization process,” Army Gen. Mark Milley, chief of Staff of the Army, said.
Members of the Texas congressional delegation urged the Army to select Austin as the headquarters last month. U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), a native of Austin, said he could not think of a better location for the headquarters.
“We already host some of the U.S. military’s newest innovative research and development investments, including the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, the Army Research Lab South, and the Air Force’s ‘AFWERXs,’” McCaul said. “I know this addition will serve as great help to the Command. While it will provide more jobs for (the 10th congressional district), our innovative environment will also ensure our nation maintains the best of the best in our military. As the proud son of a WWII B-17 bombardier, I look forward to continuing to support this new defense center.”