United States Army Central

United States Army Central, often referred to by its legacy name Third Army, is a Army Service Component Command of the United States Army responsible for the land component of United States Central Command. Headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, it provides command and control for all U.S. Army forces across a vast 21-nation area of responsibility spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Its history is deeply intertwined with some of the United States' most significant military campaigns, from the Meuse-Argonne Offensive to the liberation of Kuwait.

History

The command traces its lineage to the original Third Army, activated in France during World War I and commanded by General John J. Pershing. It was reactivated at Fort Sam Houston in 1932 and achieved legendary status under Lieutenant General George S. Patton during World War II, driving across Europe after the Normandy landings and playing a crucial role in the Battle of the Bulge. Following the Cold War, it shifted its focus to the Middle East, serving as the primary land force command for Operation Desert Storm under General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, where it executed the famed "Left Hook" maneuver. Since the September 11 attacks, it has been continuously engaged, overseeing major operations during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent campaigns.

Organization

As a theater army, its structure is tailored for joint and coalition operations within the United States Central Command area. Its core includes a forward-deployed headquarters at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and the ARCENT Forward element in Jordan. Major subordinate commands include the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, which provides critical logistics across the region, and the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. It exercises operational control over rotating Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve units, as well as forward-stationed forces like the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the National Training Center. The command maintains close partnerships with armies across the region, including those of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

Operations and exercises

Beyond combat operations, the command conducts a robust schedule of military exercises and security cooperation activities to bolster regional alliances and deter adversaries. Key annual exercises include Eager Lion in Jordan, one of the largest coalition training events in the region, and Native Fury, which practices the rapid deployment of forces from maritime prepositioning ships. It also leads the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise in the Arabian Gulf. These efforts are designed to enhance interoperability with key partners like the Kuwaiti Army, Qatar Armed Forces, and Egyptian Army, while countering threats from state actors like Iran and non-state actors such as ISIS.

Commanders

Leadership has included some of the most prominent figures in United States Army history. Early commanders were John J. Patton and Walter Krueger. Its most famous commander, George S. Patton, led it during its World War II campaigns across France and Germany. In the modern era, commanders who led during major conflicts include H. Norman Schwarzkopf during the Gulf War, David Petraeus during the Iraq Surge, and James L. Terry during operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The current commander is Lieutenant General Patrick D. Frank.

Heraldry and symbols

The command's shoulder sleeve insignia, approved in 1918, features a white "A" on a black shield, symbolizing the original American Expeditionary Forces. Its distinctive unit insignia includes a blue octagon, a heraldic representation of the VIII Corps from the American Civil War, from which it draws additional lineage. The motto "Keepers of the Flame" honors the enduring legacy of the Third Army. The command also recognizes the historical nickname "Patton's Own" and uses the Desert Camouflage Uniform-pattern flag for ceremonies within its area of operations.

Category:Army Service Component Commands of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1918 Category:United States Central Command