Policy bill seeks clarity on Army Futures Command

House and Senate conferees have included in their compromise fiscal year 2019 defense policy bill a provision requiring the Army secretary to submit concrete details on the service's Futures Command stood up this month.

Lawmakers want a description of the command's mission, the authorities and responsibilities of its chief and the relationship between those and the authorities of the Army acquisition executive in a report to be submitted by Feb. 1, 2019.

Lt. Gen. Mike Murray was nominated July 16 to lead Army Futures Command, previously serving as the deputy chief of staff (G-8).

Army Secretary Mark Esper said in March the commander would have a role in further fleshing out what AFC looks like, but the service has not given any more details as to the duties of that position or how he would interact with the service's acquisition chief, Bruce Jette.

The report is also expected to include a description of AFC's structure, any resources or elements to be realigned from Training and Doctrine Command, Materiel Command, Forces Command or Test and Evaluation Command, an assessment of the number and location of personnel and a cost estimate for establishing the command in fiscal year 2019, as well as projected costs for FY-20 through FY-23.

Conferees agreed to include in the provision a House amendment seeking "a description of the headquarters stationing selection criteria and methodology."

Service Under Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters at the Pentagon July 13 that Austin, TX,  scored the highest in six categories used to measure each city -- proximity to science, technology, engineering and math workers and industries; proximity to private-sector innovation; academic investment in STEM and research and development; quality of life; availability of a cost and time assessment and civic support.

He added the city boasts mature incubator hubs, access to engineering departments and room to grow.