Austin, Texas has long been a magnet for innovation, and seven years ago the U.S. Army made a bold move by planting its future in the heart of that tech-driven city.

What began as an experiment in modernization is now transforming into one of the most significant reorganizations in Army history.

When the Army Futures Command (AFC) was created in 2018, it was a symbol of bold leadership and vision. The goal was simple but powerful: break free from the slow, bureaucratic systems that had long stifled military innovation.

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Today, that same spirit lives on through the newly formed Transformation and Training Command (T2COM)—a streamlined, decisive force designed to ensure the American soldier remains unmatched on the battlefield.

This merger of AFC and the historic Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) represents more than efficiency. It’s about unity of purpose. As Gen. James Rainey, the outgoing AFC commander, stated, “Just for the record, T2COM is a good decision.

This is a good decision for the Army.” His words echo the confidence of leaders who understand that modernization must be more than talk—it must produce results.

The establishment of Army Futures Command during the first Trump administration marked a major shift in defense strategy. Back then, national leadership prioritized rebuilding military strength and accelerating innovation after years of stagnation.

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AFC’s founding reflected a White House that valued decisive action and trusted military experts to execute bold new ideas without being chained by outdated red tape.

Under Gen. Mark Milley’s proposal, billions were shifted into next-generation programs like long-range precision fires and future vertical lift. Austin was chosen for its energy, talent, and private-sector mindset.

The result was an environment where soldiers, coders, and engineers worked side by side—an Army that could think and move as fast as the world around it.

AFC delivered real progress, not empty promises.

From its headquarters near the University of Texas to its Army Applications Laboratory across the street, it connected startups, soldiers, and investors.

Over just two years, it advanced more successful modernization projects than the Army had seen in the previous four.

One of its most groundbreaking innovations, Project Convergence, united advanced technologies across land, air, and cyberspace.

Another, the Software Factory, trained soldiers to become developers who could write the code that directly supports operations in the field.

These efforts proved that America’s Army could once again lead from the front.

Of course, not all programs survived. The Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and Extended-Range Artillery Cannon were both canceled amid shifting priorities.

When Christine Wormuth became Secretary of the Army in 2021, she centralized control at headquarters—a decision critics said undercut the speed and independence that had made AFC effective.

That shift, along with a long vacancy in top leadership, caused some to question AFC’s future.

But when Gen. Rainey took command in 2022, he restored the focus on long-term readiness and the integration of man and machine on the battlefield.

His guiding philosophy was simple and deeply human: “We will never again trade blood for first contact.”

Rainey, working with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, championed the idea of “transformation in contact”—a process of getting technology into soldiers’ hands faster and more efficiently than ever before.

In his own words, George celebrated the results: “You helped our Army gain ground in next-generation combat vehicles, long-range precision fires, future vertical lift, soldier lethality, air-and-missile defense, and our number one priority, the network.”

Now, the newly minted T2COM stands as the Army’s largest command, guided by the motto “From Vision to Victory.”

Its creation is about more than merging commands—it’s about fusing the American fighting spirit with modern innovation.

As Gen. George explained, “Transformation is not just about product innovation, it’s about process innovation.” By cutting redundancy and empowering field leaders, T2COM will drive the Army forward with agility and purpose.

Gen. David Hodne, T2COM’s first commander, underscored that this is not an end but a beginning.

“It’s a reset,” he said. “It’s the deliberate blending of two proud traditions into something new, purpose-built for the challenges that we as an Army face today.”

He also issued a reminder that resonates with every generation of soldiers: “Technology alone never transformed war. The tank, the airplane, the drone—none changed battlefields by themselves. They required new tactics, new concepts, and new organizations.”

That understanding defines T2COM’s mission. In an era of drones, cyberwarfare, and artificial intelligence, America’s Army is determined to stay one step ahead.

As Gen. Hodne warned, “The question is whether our institutions can adapt fast enough to keep pace with these changes. T2COM is the Army’s answer.”

This transformation reflects the kind of leadership that values strength, accountability, and innovation grounded in real-world needs—not political trends.

It’s a reminder that America remains strongest when it invests in its warriors and trusts its commanders to think boldly and act decisively.

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