A1. The United States Central Command Headquarters is not located in its theater of operations because of sensitivities in some of the region's nations which are reluctant to host a permanent and relatively large U.S. military presence on their soil. USCENTCOM, however, maintains liaison with most countries in the area through the U.S. military missions and embassies in the region. MacDill AFB was the site for the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force which was the predecessor to USCENTCOM, and thus USCENTCOM began its existence in Tampa. In times of crisis, the headquarters staff can deploy to the AOR, as it did in 1990 during Operation DESERT STORM.

2. Why does the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR) include some Arab Countries but not Israel? Why isn't the entire African continent in your area of responsibility? Why Pakistan and not India?

A2. Before USCENTCOM was established, the Central Region was under the auspices of the U.S. Pacific Command and the U.S. European Command. When USCENTCOM was activated in 1983, the Unified Command Plan (UCP) was changed to place nineteen countries within USCENTCOM boundaries. These boundaries changed again in 1996 when the Seychelles and a large part of the Indian Ocean were added to the AOR so the command could deal with a block of nations with similar cultures, backgrounds, and political interests. Finally, on Oct. 1, 1999, five former Soviet republics in Central and South Asia -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – were added to the U.S. Central Command AOR. With the addition of these countries, the USCENTCOM AOR now includes 25 countries.

3.Is USCENTCOM concerned about the proliferation of ballistic missiles and biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons in the Central Region?

A3. Yes. In this volatile region, the proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons and the means to deliver them posses a significant challenge to regional stability. Iran and Iraq are aggressively seeking NBC weapons and missile capabilities, which constitute the most pressing threats to U.S. security interests. Both countries have demonstrated their intent to dominate the Arabian Gulf and to control access to critical oil supplies. The U.S. believes Iran is committed to acquiring nuclear weapons, and is actively attempting to produce them.

For more information, visit the Cooperative Defense Initiative (CDI) slide show presentation.

4. How many troops are permanently assigned to USCENTCOM?

A4. With the exception of the headquarters staff comprised of about 1,000 military personnel, U.S. Central command is unique in that it has no permanent combat units assigned. In the event of a contingency, forces from each of the four services and the U.S. Coast Guard would be assigned from both units within each military service. USCENTCOM operates small Security Assistance Offices in 14 countries in the Central Region. On any given day, the number of U.S. military forward deployed to the Central Region fluctuates between 17,000 to 25,000 personnel. The fluctuation is due to the frequent presence of a U.S. Navy aircraft battle group, a U.S. Navy amphibious ready group, or both operating in the region.

5. How can I locate someone who is or was assigned to USCENTCOM?

A5. For active duty personnel, you may contact the Worldwide Locator at (210) 652-5775 for information. For information on retirees, you may call the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO at (314)263-3901.

6. Why is U.S. Central Command a joint (four-service) command?

A6. To deter conflict within the Central Region and to maximize efficiency, USCENTCOM relies on the complimentary warfighting skills of each of the four military services and of our allies in the region. Each service possesses unique warfighting capabilities that support a comprehensive regional military strategy, which has been developed by USCENTCOM.

7. What occupies U.S. Central Command personnel on a day-to-day basis?

A7. USCENTCOM personnel devote their daily activities to monitoring and analyzing significant military, political and economic events in their area of responsibility (AOR); planning and conducting unit and combined (foreign) military exercises and operations/; coordinating with all branches of the U.S. military service component to provide forces for these training exercises and operations; maintaining a constant liaison with U.S. embassies in the region; and refining deployment and contingency plans for the region.

8. For whom does the Commander of USCENTCOM work?

A8. The Commander for USCENTCOM reports directly to the Secretary of Defense, through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

9. Is USCENTCOM always under the command of a U.S. Army general officer?

A9. U.S. Central Command isn't always commanded by an Army general officer. The position of Commander-in-Chief is rotational. Thus far, the rotation has been between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. Personnel recommended for the position are selected by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, interviewed by the Secretary of Defense, nominated by the President, and approved by the Senate.

10. When did Gen. Abizaid take command of U.S. Central Command?

A10. On July 7, 2003, Gen. John Abizaid, USA, relieved Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USA of command

11. What is the mission of U.S. Central Command?

A11. USCENTCOM, with our components and standing Joint Task Forces, and in partnership with the Joint Staff, Department of Defense and regional partners will:

• FOCUS SHAPING in the Central Region through integrated engagement and forward presence that enhances regional security and stability, promotes peace, and deters aggression;
• Remain ready to SELECTIVELY RESPOND to the full-spectrum of military operations and, when necessary, fight and win our nation’s wars; and
• PREPARE our command and families for the challenges and opportunities of an uncertain future through modernization and transformation.

… throughout the Central Region in order to promote and protect United States’ interests.

12. When was the command founded?

A12. CENTCOM became a command on Jan. 1, 1983. It was previously the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) established on 1 March 1, 1980.

13. What are the countries in CENTCOM’S Area of Responsibility?

A13. The 25 countries that are in CENTCOM’s AOR are Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula and Iraq), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan (Horn of Africa), Egypt, Jordan (Northern Red Sea), Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (South and Central Asia).

14. When did CENTCOM become responsible for the former Soviet Republics?

A14. On Oct 1., 1999 USCENTCOM assumed responsibility for all U.S. military engagement activities, planning and operations for the five Central Asian states.

15. What are the components of CENTCOM, where are they located, and who are their commanders?

• U.S. Army Forces Central Command (ARCENT) is headquartered at Ft. McPherson, Georgia and is commanded by LTG David D. McKiernan.
• U.S. Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT) is headquartered at Camp Smith, Hawaii and is commanded by Lt. Gen. Earl B. Hailston.
• U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) is located in Manama, Bahrain and is commanded by VADM Timothy J. Keating.
• U.S. Central Command Air Forces (CENTAF) is headquartered at Shaw AFB, South Carolina and is commanded by Gen. T. Michael Moseley.
• Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) is headquartered at MacDill AFB, Florida and is commanded by BG Gary L. Harrell.

16. When did Operation DESERT SHIELD begin?

A16. The operation began August 7, 1990 five days after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Within two days of the invasion, U.S. Naval combatants began deployments toward the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The first combat aircraft and ground forces landed on Aug. 8.

17. When did Operation DESERT STORM begin/end?

A17. On Jan. 17, 1991 DESERT STORM began with a massive air interdiction strike. Ground operations began on Feb. 24. Kuwait was liberated on Feb 27and a cease-fire was declared for Feb. 28, exactly 100 hours after commencement of ground hostilities.

18. What is Operation SOUTHERN WATCH?

A18. Operation SOUTHERN WATCH began in August 1992 as part of the international response to Iraqi non-compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 688. USCENTCOM established a no fly zone south of the 32^nd parallel and established Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA).

19. What is Operation NORTHERN WATCH?

A19. Operation NORTHERN WATCH began in January 1977. The zone is north of the 36^th parallel. This establishes a no-fly zone in northern Iraq to protect the Kurdish population from Iraqi reprisals.

20. When did CENTCOM become involved in the food shortage relief efforts in Somalia?

A20. Operation PROVIDE RELIEF began in August 1992 to supply aid to Somalia and Northeast Kenya. The first food delivery mission was flown to Kenya that month and by the end of 1992 nearly 20,000 metric tons of food had been delivered.

21. What about Operation RESTORE HOPE?

A21. Operation RESTORE HOPE began on Dec. 9, 1992 in support of UN Security Council Resolution 794. All U.S. troops were withdrawn from Somalia by March 25, 1994. Operation RESTORE HOPE demonstrated the U.S. ability to respond to distant humanitarian crises as part of an international coalition.