Senate Armed Services Committee hears testimony from nominees to lead CENTCOM and EUCOM

The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday considered the nominations of Vice Admiral Brad Cooper to command U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Lieutenant General Alexis Grinkovich to command U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and serve as Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Chairman Roger Wicker opened the hearing and thanked the nominees and their families.

The hearing focused on regional security across two theaters and the readiness of U.S. forces. Cooper described recent CENTCOM operations and said the military's top priority was force protection. "Our number 1 priority today is the safety of our men and women in uniform," Vice Admiral Brad Cooper said during questioning. Grinkovich emphasized readiness and allied burden sharing in Europe and said he would press NATO partners to turn increased spending commitments into deployable capability.

Why it matters: The nominees would lead U.S. forces at a period of heightened tension in the Middle East and ongoing war in Ukraine. Senators pressed them on how they would deter Iran and its proxies, assure NATO allies, and manage logistics and munitions shortfalls.

Key exchanges and themes - Iran and regional stability: Several senators asked Cooper about the strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and the risk of further escalation. Cooper said CENTCOM would remain "laser focused" on protecting U.S. forces and would provide military options to civilian leaders. He declined to discuss classified details in open session. - Russia and NATO posture: Grinkovich was asked about force posture in Europe and the importance of land combat power. He said ground combat forces are “very critical” and pledged to provide the Department of Defense a detailed posture assessment if confirmed. - Munitions and industrial base: Multiple senators raised concerns about U.S. munitions stockpiles and production rates. Cooper and Grinkovich agreed that the nation needs expanded munitions capacity and faster acquisition pathways to get capabilities to warfighters. - Counter‑UAS and emerging technology: Both nominees described the changing character of warfare, with a growing role for drones and unmanned systems in lethal and defensive roles.

No formal votes took place at the hearing. Senators said classified briefings would follow to address sensitive operational details.

The hearing record will remain open for questions for the record, which the committee requested by 6 p.m. local time.