WASHINGTON - Defense Department leaders are discussing whether to reorganize the military's command structure to better respond to worldwide challenges such as fighting terrorism, officials said.

Currently, combat operations are overseen by six regional commanders. The strikes against Afghanistan, for example, are directed by Army Gen. Tommy Franks, head of the Central Command. Franks oversees combat in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Behind the scenes, officials are discussing whether to modify or replace the regional system to help the military coordinate campaigns which may cross those geographical borders. If the fight against terrorism moves to another part of the world, for example, another general would have control of those operations under the current structure.

Any rulings on changing the regional structure, called the Unified Command Plan, would have to be made by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and President Bush.

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