Over the past few years, the U.S. military has focused primarily on readiness. Now, thanks to budget increases, the Army is looking to modernize, and Austin will reportedly be where it starts.

Bloomberg broke the news Thursday that Army officials have chosen Austin as the cite of the branch's new Futures Command, which will focus on assessing future threats and developing the technology and strategies necessary to combat them.

Austin beat out 15 other cities considered for the Futures Command, with officials citing its entrepreneurial spirit and proximity to academia.

The Arm Futures Command (AFC) will, according to the Austin American-Statesman,  be the branch's most significant organizational overhaul since 1973. It's expected to employ at least 500 military and civilian workers.

The Statesman reports that Army officials will be tapping the brainpower of experts in fields such as biomedicine, chemistry, computer hardware and software, electronics, and mechanical systems.

Defense News reports that an official announcement from the Pentagon is expected on Friday, July 13.

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