UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND (USCENTCOM)

• Establishment: USCENTCOM was established on January 1, 1983, as a response to growing U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East following the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. • Area of Responsibility: Its Area of Responsibility (AOR) covers 21 countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, including hotspots like Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. • Operation Desert Storm: USCENTCOM led Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the massive coalition effort that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, showcasing rapid deployment and joint operations. • Operation Enduring Freedom: After the 9/11 attacks, USCENTCOM directed Operation Enduring Freedom, the initial U.S. and coalition campaign against the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: USCENTCOM oversaw the 2003 invasion of Iraq, including the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime and years of subsequent stability and counterinsurgency operations. • Red Sea Headquarters: The original headquarters were aboard a floating barge called the USS La Salle in the Persian Gulf before relocating to permanent facilities in Tampa, Florida. • Joint & Coalition Operations: USCENTCOM is unique in frequently commanding large multinational coalitions, having worked with over 60 nations during the fight against ISIS. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat, USCENTCOM has led disaster relief, medical support, and humanitarian evacuations, such as supporting earthquake relief in Pakistan (2005). • Women in Command: In 2022, Lieutenant General (later General) Michael Kurilla became the latest commander, but no woman has yet led USCENTCOM, reflecting broader trends in military leadership. • Cyber Defense: USCENTCOM was the target of a high-profile cyberattack in 2015 when its Twitter and YouTube accounts were compromised by hackers claiming allegiance to ISIS, highlighting the new frontiers of warfare.