U.S. Central Command

The United States Central Command (also known as CENTCOM) is a Unified Combatant Command military unit, under the operational control of the United States Secretary of Defense.

Its main jurisdiction is in Eastern Europe (such as the Balkans), and in the Middle East. CENTCOM has been the main American presence in many wars, including the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Kosovo Conflict, and many others. Currently, the unit is deployed throughout the area, mainly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and a few other countries in that area.

People

The commander of this unit is General John Abizaid, who took command on July 7, 2003, replacing General Tommy Franks. His chief of staff is Major General R. Steven Whitcomb. Lieutenant General Lance L. Smith is the Deputy Commanding General.

Sub-Units

No fighting units are directly subordinate to this command; rather, the five sub-units are:

US Army Forces Central Command
US Central Command Air Forces
US Marine Forces Central Command
US Naval Forces Central Command
US Special Operations Command Central