San Antonio’s Wake-Up Call: Military City USA Cannot Afford Inaction
By Dr. Tim Westley May 23, 2025
“Army North and Army South, both based at Fort Sam Houston, are to be folded into a new Western Hemisphere Command. Where it will be located is unclear.”
Over the past several months, I have consistently warned of developments like these—writing, speaking, and sounding the alarm on the urgent need to protect Military City USA. The signs have been clear, and the writing has long been on the wall: urgency and deliberate action are not optional—they are imperative.
I have emphasized that San Antonio’s next mayor must engage directly with the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense, urging them to consider our city for strategic realignment and expansion. This means enhancing current military capabilities and ensuring San Antonio remains a cornerstone of national defense readiness.
It also requires establishing frequent, proactive communication with the DoD, our Congressional partners, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Yet, Mayor Nirenberg responded by saying, “We don’t have a whole lot of facts as to the specifics of what might occur.” That statement reflects a reactive posture—one we simply cannot afford. Unfortunately, not even elected federal officials could offer up any details, "Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's office had no comment on the consolidation. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales..."
The future of San Antonio demands leadership that is proactive, not passive. We must engage federal decision-makers before changes occur—not after we’ve already lost jobs or strategic military assets. Acting after the fact is too late.
I stressed proactivity in Expanding our Military Complex for months and unfortunately, San Antonio has already missed out as the Austin-based Army Futures Command will merge with the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, now based at Fort Eustis, Va. They won't be heading to Military City USA, instead the combined organization will be headquartered in Austin.
San Antonio has not only missed expanding the Military Footprint, but is now at threat of seeing it shrink! This is not acceptable!
As a current Department of Defense employee who has previously collaborated with Army North, I understand the importance of strong, consistent relationships with national defense leadership. Our city’s leadership must treat this moment as a wake-up call—one that demands diligence, strategy, and engagement at the highest levels in Washington.
The future of San Antonio—and the legacy of Military City USA—depends on it.
#ForeverFaithful #ConcernedCitizen #PersonalCommentary #SanAntonioFirst
Humbly,
Dr. Tim Westley