FORSCOM

• Origins: The United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) traces its roots to the Continental Army Command (CONARC), established in 1955, and was officially activated as FORSCOM in 1973. • Largest Army Command: FORSCOM is the largest command in the U.S. Army, responsible for training, mobilizing, and deploying more than 750,000 active and reserve Soldiers. • Headquarters Relocation: In 2011, FORSCOM moved its headquarters from Fort McPherson, Georgia, to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina, as part of the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process. • Global Reach: FORSCOM units have participated in every major U.S. military operation since Vietnam, including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Readiness Mission: Its primary mission is to prepare Army forces to deploy rapidly and fight as part of joint and coalition teams, ensuring combat-ready units at all times. • Notable Subordinate Units: Major subordinate commands include the XVIII Airborne Corps, III Armored Corps, the 1st Army, and the Army Reserve Command. • First Female Commander: In 2016, LTG Laura J. Richardson became the first woman to command FORSCOM, marking a significant milestone in Army history. • Training Innovations: FORSCOM pioneered the use of large-scale training exercises, such as the National Training Center rotations, to simulate real-world combat scenarios. • Rapid Deployment: The Immediate Response Force (IRF), a FORSCOM unit, is tasked with deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours of notification. • Support During National Emergencies: FORSCOM units have been called upon for domestic operations, including disaster relief for hurricanes, wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic.