Why San Antonio should host US Space Command
Edward A. Rice Jr.
December 29, 2020
Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph members slow their vehicle speed as they exit the base through the main gate bollards at Joint Base San Antonio. (Melissa Peterson/Air Force)
San Antonio is one of six finalist communities to host the headquarters for U.S. Space Command — the unified combatant command responsible for commanding and controlling space operations by all our military forces.
For those of us who are familiar with the exceptional and diverse attributes of “Military City, USA,” San Antonio’s inclusion on the short list came as no surprise. While much has already been said about what makes San Antonio such a natural partner for Space Command, I would like to focus on two considerations that will be critical to the final location decision: (1) the practical matters of funding, building, manning, operating, and sustaining the command and (2) ensuring that it operates with a culture that prioritizes innovation, enhances the use of new and emerging technologies, and eliminates bureaucratic processes. San Antonio offers the best solution on both counts.