Combating Terrorism Technology Support

The Combating Terrorism Technology Support program, overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, focuses on advancing technology to tackle irregular warfare challenges. The Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) is responsible for swiftly addressing capability gaps by developing technologies that enhance the lethality and protection of U.S. forces. This includes efforts in countering small unmanned aerial systems, improving subterranean detection, and advancing body and vehicle armor. Additionally, the program leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance military systems' capabilities while reducing user workload.

In FY 2024 and FY 2025, IWTSD will concentrate on research and development activities that address immediate and critical capability gaps for tactical units, including special operations forces and first responders. The program's initiatives span ten mission categories, such as Advanced Analytics, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), and Tactical Offensive Support. These projects aim to improve various aspects of military operations, from enhancing decision-making through advanced analytics to developing protective equipment against CBRNE threats.

To align with the National Defense Strategy's evolving priorities, IWTSD has restructured its focus areas by eliminating certain subgroups and introducing new ones like Advanced Development. The program places a strong emphasis on international collaboration, particularly with Israel, dedicating significant resources to joint research and development efforts in areas like countering unmanned aerial vehicles. Through partnerships with USSOCOM, other military services, and defense agencies, IWTSD has successfully transitioned numerous products to operational use or limited procurement.

The Combating Terrorism Technology Support program continues to adapt its strategies to effectively meet emerging threats. By engaging directly with military commands and industry partners to gather requirements before releasing them in a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), the program ensures alignment with operational needs. This approach allows IWTSD to manage a wide range of projects while maintaining flexibility through external sources from other Department of Defense components and international partnerships.