21st Theater Support Command (21st TAACOM) Details
The term 'Theater Army Area Command' reflects the unit structure on which the 21st SUPCOM was already based. In fact, in manning documents, orders and other official documents, the unit name of 21st SUPCOM was often followed by 'TAACOM' in parenthesis.
The name change from 21st SUPCOM to 21st TAACOM primarily reflected what was already the unit's official designation. Though it was upgraded from a two-star to a three-star command, this was more a reflection of capacity than a significant mission change.
Established on October 18, 1988, the command initially had the same essential mission set that existed for decades: support theater operations and prepare for war with the Soviet east. However, near the end of the 21st TAACOM period, the mission changed and the Soviet east was no longer a threat. Support to major operations in neighboring theaters became a significant part of the unit's mission.
