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| Central Command (CENTCOM) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Central Command (CENTCOM) |
| Caption | Emblem of Central Command |
| Dates | 1983–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Department of Defense |
| Type | Unified combatant command |
| Garrison | MacDill Air Force Base |
| Garrison label | Headquarters |
Central Command (CENTCOM) is a unified combatant command of the United States Department of Defense responsible for military operations in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Established in 1983 after the Iran–Iraq War and the Iranian Revolution, it has been central to operations involving Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and the Persian Gulf. CENTCOM coordinates with allies and partners such as United Kingdom Armed Forces, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, NATO, and Coalition forces to conduct regional security, counterterrorism, and stability operations.
CENTCOM was created by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 following increased U.S. interest after the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet–Afghan War. Early actions included maritime protection during the Tanker War phase of the Iran–Iraq War and operations related to the Lebanese Civil War and the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran. CENTCOM led Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War to expel Iraq from Kuwait under a coalition that included United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In the 1990s CENTCOM oversaw Operation Southern Watch and No-Fly Zone enforcement related to Iraq and coordinated with the United Nations sanctions and inspections regimes including UNSCOM. After September 11 attacks, CENTCOM executed Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, interacting with actors such as Northern Alliance, Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and later Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. CENTCOM later conducted operations against ISIS including Operation Inherent Resolve and engaged in maritime security against Houthi movement attacks in Yemen.
CENTCOM's mission encompasses planning and conducting contingency operations, deterring aggression, and fostering partner capacity. It executes strategic orders from the President of the United States and the United States Secretary of Defense while coordinating with regional partners such as Jordan Armed Forces, Egyptian Armed Forces, Qatar Armed Forces, and Kuwait Armed Forces. CENTCOM supports diplomatic initiatives like Camp David Accords-era relationships and security cooperation agreements, and integrates capabilities from the United States Army Central, United States Air Forces Central Command, and United States Naval Forces Central Command to address threats posed by state actors and non-state groups including Hezbollah, Al-Shabaab, and Ansar al-Sharia.
CENTCOM's headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base houses staffs and combined/joint task forces. Principal components include United States Army Central (USARCENT), United States Air Forces Central (AFCENT), United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), United States Marine Corps Forces Central Command (MARCENT), and United States Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). CENTCOM coordinates with subordinate joint task forces such as Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and liaison elements with United States Africa Command and United States European Command. It works alongside intelligence organizations including Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Central Intelligence Agency for targeting, situational awareness, and interagency operations.
CENTCOM's Area of Responsibility (AOR) covers the Middle East including the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and parts of Central Asia and South Asia. Countries in the AOR include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Iran (limited engagement), Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan (portions), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and others. The maritime approaches of the AOR involve choke points such as the Bab-el-Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, and Suez Canal, requiring coordination with US Fifth Fleet and multinational navies including Royal Navy and French Navy.
CENTCOM has directed major campaigns including Operation Praying Mantis, Operation Earnest Will, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Vigilant Sentinel, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. CENTCOM-led operations targeted organizations like Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, and Islamic State. Humanitarian and non-combatant evacuations have involved coordination with United States Agency for International Development and partners during crises such as the Iraq War 2003, Syrian Civil War, and instability in Yemen during the Arab Spring. CENTCOM also conducted strike campaigns, air superiority operations, and maritime interdiction in collaboration with coalition partners including Australia, Canada, Italy, and Germany.
CENTCOM's headquarters is at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Forward-deployed facilities and partner bases in the AOR include Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Dhafra Air Base in United Arab Emirates, Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, Qayyarah Airfield West in Iraq, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan (historical), and Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Access agreements involve host nations such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey and overflight arrangements with Iran-adjacent states. Logistics hubs have included Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory under broader theater support considerations.
CENTCOM is led by a four-star United States Department of Defense officer appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. Notable commanders have included General James Mattis, General David Petraeus, General Tommy Franks, General John Abizaid, and Admiral William J. Fallon. Commanders coordinate with civilian leadership including the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and allied military chiefs such as the Chief of the Defence Staff (United Kingdom) and regional defence ministers. Leadership transitions reflect shifts in strategy, exemplified during drawdowns after the Iraq War and during campaigns against ISIS.