Asymmetric Warfare Group

By G3/5/7 for STAND-TO!April 7, 2010

Asymmetric Warfare Group

What is it'

The Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) is a special mission unit under the Army G-3/5/7 providing operational advisory assistance to Army and Joint Force Commanders to enhance the combat effectiveness of the forces defeating asymmetric threats. It provides key observations and perspectives for senior leaders to consider when making policy and resource decisions. The AWG consists of Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contracted specialists. Every member of the AWG is carefully screened and selected for unique attributes and operational experience using a nominative process to ensure the most seasoned professionals are assigned to the unit.

What is the Army doing'

The AWG deploys its forces worldwide to observe, assess, and analyze information about the evolving contemporary operating environment to include emerging asymmetric threats and effective countermeasures. These observations and assessments are disseminated through globally-postured elements in support of Army and Joint Force Commanders. The AWG informs institutional Army elements enhancing the Army's ability to meet the requirements of the current and future operating environments. From this vantage point, the AWG is able to suggest technologies to mitigate operational and tactical challenges by anticipating emerging and future asymmetric threats. The AWG further assists in the identification, development, integration and transition of materiel and non-materiel solutions for both offensive and defensive countermeasures to emerging asymmetric threats.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

The Army will continue deploying AWG teams globally to assist in the transformation of Army units and enable faster targeting of enemy vulnerabilities. The AWG has positioned Forward Operations Cells at all Geographic Combatant Commands in order to increase situational awareness of current regional threats and be responsive to the immediate, worldwide advisory needs of Army and Joint Force Commanders.

Why is this important to the Army'

The Asymmetric Warfare Group is the asymmetric warfare expert, predicting and contributing to the rapid defeat of asymmetric threats. It serves as the Army's focal point for recognizing emerging threats, and identifying critical asymmetric threats for both enemy and friendly vulnerabilities through global first-hand observations. This allows the AWG to contribute to the body of information shaping and the Army's capability for rapid adaptation to the evolving threat environment across the entire Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel and Facilities (DOTMLPF) spectrum.

Resource:

<a href="http://www.awg.army.mil/" target="_blank"> Asymmetric Warfare Group Web site</a>