MDO Operational Environment

*Contested in all domains
*Increasingly lethal, expanded battlefield
*Increasingly complex environment
*Challenged deterrence

MDO Central Idea

Army forces, as an element of the Joint Force, conduct Multi-Domain Operations to prevail in competition; when necessary, Army forces penetrate and dis-integrate enemy anti-access and area denial systems and exploit the resultant freedom of maneuver to achieve strategic objectives (win) and force a return to competition on favorable terms

Russian and Chinese A2AD create

Multiple Layers of Stand-Off

China and Russia in Competition

Creating stand-off by separating the U.S. and partners politically with ...
*National- and district-level forces
*Unconventional warfare
*Information warfare
*Conventional forces: Long-, mid-, and short-range systems
...to fracture alliances and win without fighting

China and Russia in Armed Conflict

Creating stand-off by separating the Joint Force in time, spaces, and function with ...
*National-and district-level forces
*Conventional forces: Long-, mid-, and short-range systems
*Unconventional warfare
*Information warfare
...to win quickly with a surprise, fait accompli campaign

Multi-Domain Operations Problem #1

How does the Joint Force compete to enable the defeat of an adversary's operations to destabilize the region, deter the escalation of violence, and, should violence escalate, enable a rapid transition to armed conflict?

Multi-Domain Operations Problem #2

How does the Joint Force penetrate enemy anti-access and area denial systems throughout the depth of the Support Areas to enable strategic and operational maneuver?

Multi-Domain Operations Problem #3

How does the Joint Force dis-integrate enemy anti-access and area denial systems in the Deep Areas to enable operational and tactical maneuver?

Multi-Domain Operations Problem #4

How does the Joint Force exploit the resulting freedom of maneuver to achieve operational and strategic objectives through the defeat of the enemy in the Close and Deep Maneuver Areas?

Multi-Domain Operations Problem #5

How does the Joint Force re-compete to consolidate gains and produce sustainable outcomes, set conditions for long-term deterrence, and adapt to the new security environment?

Tenets of MDO

Calibrated Force Posture
Multi-Domain Formations
Convergence (time, space, capabilities)

Calibrated Force Posture

*Force presence forces (contact and blunt forces)
*Expeditionary forces (blunt and surge forces)
*National-level capabilities
*Authorities

Multi-Domain Formations

*Conduct independent maneuver
*Employ cross-domain fires
*Maximize human potential

Convergence (time, space, capabilities)

*Cross-domain synergy
*Layered options
*Mission command/disciplined initiative

Convergence at Echelon: Theater Army

*Provides AOR-tailored capacity
*Maintains enduring initiative
*Sets the theater
*Enables expeditionary maneuver
*Responds immediately to regional emergencies
*Protects bases, key nodes, and networks

Convergence at Echelon: Field Army

*Executes competition against a near-peer
*Conducts all-domain operational preparation of the environment
*Provides credible deterrence
*Commands multiple corps
*Enables partners and SOF
*Employs long-range fires

Convergence at Echelon: Corps

*Tailors to multiple missions and roles (e.g. JTF)
*Coordinates deep cross-domain maneuver
*Commands multiple divisions
*Shapes close areas: enemy mid-range fires and IADS
*Defeats long-range fires

Convergence at Echelon: Division

*Commands multiple BCTs and enablers
*Converges cross-domain capabilities in the close area
*Shapes deep maneuver area
*Executes expeditionary and deep maneuver
*Dominates the close fight

Compete to expand the competitive space

*Enable defeat of information and unconventional warfare
*Conduct intelligence and counter adversary reconnaissance
*Demonstrate credible deterrence

Penetrate strategic and operational stand-off

*Neutralize enemy long-range systems
*Contest enemy maneuver forces
*Maneuver from operational and strategic distances

Dis-integrate the enemy's anti-access and area denial systems

*Defeat enemy long-range systems
*Neutralize enemy short-range systems
*Conduct independent maneuver
*Conduct deception

Exploit freedom of maneuver to defeat enemy objectives

*Defeat enemy mid-range systems
*Neutralize enemy short-range systems
*Maneuver to isolate and defeat enemy maneuver forces

Re-compete to consolidate and expand gains

*Secure terrain and populations physically
*Enable sustainable outcomes with partners
*Set conditions for long-term deterrence
*Re-calibrate force posture
*Secure the initiative

MDO Implications for the Army

*Enhanced and broader need for combined arms maneuver
*Operating at echelon
*Converging cross-domain capabilities
*Maximizing human potential
*14 required Army capability sets