The Central Command's presence at MacDill is an important asset to our community, but its location should be based on what is best for national security.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld raised a legitimate question the other day: Does it make sense to command U.S. forces in the Middle East from a military base in south Tampa?

The question should be decided on military terms -- what is the most secure and effective location from which to manage American forces in that region? Having the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base is important to Tampa Bay, and having it on American soil helps remind the public of our broad national interests in the Middle East. But practical considerations should come first. If there's a case to move CentCom, the Pentagon should make it.

It would be hard to overstate the political resistance an effort to move CentCom would face. In response to Rumsfeld's public musings over CentCom's location, MacDill's most influential supporter in Congress, Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Largo, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said: "I have no doubt in my mind that Central Command will remain located at MacDill." Young's view will affect other minds, too.

Though CentCom is only one of several operations at MacDill, its high profile since the Persian Gulf War has added to MacDill's ability to survive base closings and reassignment. The base is a major employer and service center for about 200,000 veterans in the region. A move would bring tremendous costs and add new logistical challenges for a Pentagon busy with Afghanistan and Iraq.

But it is understandable that Rumsfeld would raise the question. From its headquarters in Tampa, CentCom is responsible for military operations in an area that includes Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Rumsfeld noted that the distant time zones complicate the job of coordinating military operations. Having commanders nearer the action would have obvious value, especially in the case of CentCom.

On the other hand, Tampa offers CentCom a level of security that many nations in the Middle East would find difficult to match. Technology makes it possible for commanders here to overcome many drawbacks of being so far away. Having CentCom close to the power center of Washington also gives it political leverage. It is easier for members of Congress and the administration to show their support.

Having the command here gives the Pentagon a visible rallying point for keeping Americans supportive of a role in the region. CentCom's commander, Army Gen. Tommy R. Franks, has stayed active in the Tampa Bay community, and his involvement has helped the public understand our national interests in a volatile region.

There are numerous arguments on many fronts in deciding where CentCom should be located. Aside from economic and political factors domestically, there also are diplomatic and security concerns associated with putting American military commands overseas. The increased visibility of U.S. forces in the Middle East since the Persian Gulf War already has caused tensions in the region. CentCom's presence would complicate those issues.

If this idea goes anywhere, the principle consideration should be what's best for achieving CentCom's national security mission. Any impact on MacDill and the surrounding community is a secondary concern.

Back to Opinion

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times
Opinion page