U.S. Army officials said that Austin would be the headquarters of the Army's Future Command and Research Development operation because it has the right mix of workers and industries, quality of life, private sector innovation and cost of living. Cities and other finalists Philadelphia, Boston and Raleigh, NC, for command, fourth in the military and considered an important investment in economic development and the largest reorganization of the military since 1973.

Choices had been "very difficult" but ultimately army officials ranked the criteria that they deemed important, said Army Undersecretary Ryan McCarthy.

"We do not have time to build this ecosystem," McCarthy said. "You had to be ready right away."

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) factors, both in academics and in research and development, were essential, as was the assessment of civic and social support. the proximity of the private sector. Democratic Representative Betty McCollum, who was leading a joint effort by the federal Minnesota delegation to court the project, congratulated Austin and said that the twin cities being among the top five finalists, the region "is filled with brilliant innovators, d & # 39; 39, a formidable search capability, and "

Army officials made the official designation Friday, although the news was leaked Thursday.

"What is important is finding the right place," said Army Secretary Mark Esper.

The Future Army Command is specifically tasked with providing the technology needed to modernize and prepare the largest US military wing for future conflicts. It is expected to attract about 500 people to Austin, as well as future partnerships in the private sector, which will likely result in the creation of hundreds of other high-tech jobs.

McCarthy mentioned other factors: to a science and engineering department of a leading university system, expansion for other departments and companies to join the efforts of the military, a dense reservoir of industrial and academic talent, as well as a reasonable cost to do business and create established technologies. [traduction] "The establishment of an army headquarters outside of a post with a diversified mission interface with the United States. Industry and academia is a radical cultural change for us, "said McCarthy. "The establishment of this headquarters in the city of Austin will force the military to rely on American ingenuity and entrepreneurs."

Texas also provided to the army a program of incentives, but the army officials have not specified the details. A spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) said the ministry has made available up to $ 1 million through a program of business development and development. public infrastructure that the local government could have requested on behalf of the project. we were not chosen for this venture, we were honored to have been one of the five regions of the country to be finally considered, "said DEED commissioner Shawntera Hardy, in a statement. "The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is a major hub for education, technology, innovation and collaboration.We will continue to strengthen these vital areas of our economy and hope to have the ######################################################################### 39, opportunity to work in partnership with the Army. "

Army members said the staff was already on their way to Austin on Friday.