On a Wednesday in October 2023, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George announced during a House Appropriations defense subcommittee posture hearing that the U.S. Army will consolidate its Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command into a new command named the Army’s Transformation and Training Command.
This announcement follows the Army’s recent initiative to restructure its command and formations to better address current threats and strategically position itself against future challenges. The consolidated command will be headquartered in Austin, Texas, which is currently the location of the Army Futures Command (AFC).
The AFC, a four-star command, was established during President Donald Trump’s first administration, led by then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. Milley aimed to create AFC as a solution to the bureaucratic challenges that had historically hindered the Army’s modernization efforts. His vision included breaking down silos and streamlining the requirements development process to enhance responsiveness.
The new transformation efforts will re-integrate the requirements development process with TRADOC, according to George, indicating the goal is to establish a unified command that oversees design, build, doctrine, and training. Gen. George emphasized the need for updated training methods to align with tactical advancements in the Army.
Initially formed to address deficiencies in the requirements process, AFC evolved over its four years from a command with investment control to a more advisory role focused on long-term technology and capabilities planning. Despite its evolution, AFC remains credited with progressing numerous successful programs related to missile defense, aircraft, and long-range precision fires.
Army leadership has deemed the consolidation necessary to minimize bureaucratic delays that arise from separately operating commands. George noted the integration will allow for more frontline personnel involvement, which he believes is essential for effective operations.
As of now, AFC employs about 17,000 personnel, and TRADOC has 35,000 worldwide. The Army has yet to disclose the anticipated size of the newly merged command. Ongoing discussions include what will happen to facilities like the Combined Arms Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, and various Centers of Excellence across the country.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll remarked on the need to optimize personnel numbers involved in acquisitions, stating that the current figure of 35,000 is likely too high, which contributes to slowdowns in processes. Leadership hopes that the merger will foster better collaboration between soldiers’ needs and the strategic procurement processes of the Army.
Driscoll further highlighted the intention to implement venture capital models to encourage innovation and agile responses in operational contexts within the Army’s structure.
