The Pentagon wants Fort George G. Meade to be the home of a new military command devoted to protecting the nation's computer networks, a move that would further cement the Army post's reputation as a technology epicenter.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates this week announced the formation of a new U.S. Cyber Command to defend the nation's computer-related communications and attack enemy nations' systems.

"This command will lead, integrate and coordinate the day-to-day defense, protection and operation of the Department of Defense's networks," said Lt. Col. Eric Butterbaugh, a Pentagon...