About this Unit
United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) was established on January 1, 1983, to oversee U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Its creation was driven by growing strategic interests in the region, particularly after the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. USCENTCOM played a central role in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm during the 1991 Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the decades, it has continued to coordinate coalition efforts, counterterrorism, and regional security initiatives across its vast and volatile area of responsibility.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) was established on January 1, 1983, to oversee American military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.
• Origins in the Carter Doctrine: Its creation was a direct response to the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, reflecting the "Carter Doctrine," which declared the Persian Gulf a vital U.S. interest.
• First Major Operation: USCENTCOM’s first major engagement was Operation Earnest Will (1987–1988), escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War to ensure free navigation in the Persian Gulf.
• Desert Storm Leadership: General H. Norman Schwarzkopf led CENTCOM during Operation Desert Storm (1991), orchestrating the coalition effort to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
• Headquarters Location: While its Area of Responsibility (AOR) stretches across 20 countries, from Egypt to Kazakhstan, USCENTCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
• 9/11 and Afghanistan: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, CENTCOM directed Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, marking the start of America’s longest war.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: CENTCOM was again at the forefront during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, overseeing the toppling of Saddam Hussein and subsequent operations in the country.
• Multinational Cooperation: CENTCOM regularly coordinates with dozens of partner nations, hosting annual exercises like "Eager Lion" in Jordan to enhance regional military interoperability.
• Counter-ISIS Campaign: CENTCOM directed Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria, coordinating airstrikes, special operations, and training of local forces.
• Women in Command: In April 2022, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla became CENTCOM’s commander, but notably, in 2019, Major General Susan Henderson became the first woman to command a CENTCOM component, leading the 1st Theater Sustainment Command (Forward).
