Raleigh Finalist For Army Center Overseeing New Weapons: Report

RALEIGH, NC — Raleigh is reportedly among five finalists for a new U.S. Army command center that will oversee the development of new weapons. Boston and Raleigh, are on the Army’s short list to host the new Futures Command, Bloomberg News reported Monday.

An Army official informed the city that a small team will travel to Raleigh sometime this week to review its academia and industry, as well as to better understand the area's "socio-economic dynamics."

A four-star general will run the new Futures Command, Bloomberg said. The center will help "drive" the Army’s highest priorities when it comes to modernizing weapons. This includes bolstering its long-range missiles and artillery, officials told the news outlet last week.

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The Triangle is thought to be a top contender due to its mix of universities and businesses, as well as its proximity to military bases.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a member of the U.S. Senate's Armed Services Committee, told the News and Observer the decision wasn't a surprise.

"Raleigh would be a perfect host of the Futures Command and the perfect home for the soldiers and their families, [U.S. Department of Defense] civilians, academics, scientists, engineers and innovators who are involved with the effort."

Photo credit: Courtesy of U.S. Army