US opens Futures Command to modernize army

WASHINGTON - The US Army on Friday formally activated its Futures Command to promote its modernization.

The command, based in the University of Texas Systems building in Austin, Texas, is being led by General John Murray, who will oversee a team of 500 personnel to prepare the army for future warfare.

"We will provide the unity of command and the unity of effort that will bring the concepts, requirements, science and technology, research, development, testing and engineering and acquisitions communities together," Murray said in a ceremony.

According to Mark Esper, secretary of the army, the establishment of the Futures Command marks the biggest reorganization in the army since 1973.

The Futures Command will generate innovative solutions in research and development and field the next generation of combat systems, Esper said.

It will cost between $80 million and $100 million to operate each year, and will oversee up to $50 billion annually for modernization programs.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley highlighted two unique features of the command: its personnel will not wear uniform to work; and it's the first time the military has set up a headquarters in an urban center.

The changes were made to help the new command interconnect with the surrounding environment, Milley said.