Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate
Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) focuses on identifying and developing capabilities for the Department of Defense to conduct irregular warfare against various adversaries, including both state and non-state actors. Originally known as the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), it transitioned to IWTSD to reflect a broader mission scope.
Mission
The mission of the IWTSD is to deliver innovative, rapid research and development solutions to support the U.S. military and its interagency partners in countering irregular warfare threats, enhancing capabilities against Great Power competitors and non-state actors through technical studies, innovation, and operational support.
Parent organization
IWTSD is under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/LIC)).
Legislation
The transformation from CTTSO to IWTSD was authorized by the Acting Secretary of Defense in 2020, with the legal foundation rooted in Section 922 of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act[1].
Number of employees
The specific number of employees is not publicly disclosed, but IWTSD includes staff from various technical and management backgrounds.
Organization structure
- Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate is responsible for managing and executing the full spectrum of irregular warfare R&D, from concept to field delivery.
List of programs
- Rapid Research and Development for irregular warfare capabilities.
- Advanced Studies and Technical Innovation to develop new solutions.
- Operational Support for demonstrations and field testing of new technologies.
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget figures for IWTSD are not publicly detailed; however, it operates within the broader defense budget allocated to research, development, test, and evaluation for special operations.
Leader
The position is led by a Director.
Services provided
IWTSD provides services including the identification of capability gaps, development of technology solutions, management of research contracts, international collaboration, and the transition of technology to operational use. It engages with industry, academia, and other government agencies to innovate in areas like counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and unconventional warfare.
Regulations overseen
While not directly overseeing regulations, IWTSD ensures compliance with DoD acquisition and research policies, international agreements, and security protocols in its operations.
Headquarters address
IWTSD is located in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon.
Website
Wikipedia article
There is no specific Wikipedia article for the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate.