Functional Area Networks.

Functional Area Networks

The Functional Area Networks a groundbreaking initiative that serves as a force multiplier and coordinator for the Department of War (DoW) and its partners, ultimately aiming support warfighters alongside U.S. partners and Allies in the face of modern warfare’s complexities. This departure from conventional networks strategically addresses global irregular challenges through a system of Functional Area Networks (FANs), established in collaboration with the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (ASW SO/LIC) and global partners.  These FANs focus on specific areas of concern, fostering cohesive efforts across the DoW, Interagency, private sector, and international partners to maximize Irregular Warfare (IW) capabilities. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive whole-of-government response to evolving irregular challenges.  The FANs adaptive nature allows IWC to stay ahead of emerging threats in the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare. 

The FANs aim to foster a cohesive effort across the DoW, Interagency (IA), private sector, and global partners. This collective approach aims to maximize irregular warfare capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive whole-of-government response to irregular challenges.

These networks are versatile and capable of accomplishing a broad spectrum of objectives including:

  • Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the exchange of expertise, experiences, and best practices among members.

  • Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about specific issues and engaging in educational activities to inform both the public and community members.

  • Collective Problem Solving: Addressing challenges collectively by leveraging the diverse skills and perspectives of community members.

Functional Area Networks (FANs)

Operations in the Information Environment (OIE)

The OIE network addresses the critical question of how the U.S. wins the cognitive fight. It serves as a force multiplier, bolstering education and problem-solving within the field of information operations. The network coordinates efforts to plan, synchronize, and assess both deterrent and warfighting capabilities across various domains. These include psychological operations, cyberspace operations, civil-military operations, public affairs, operations security, and military deception.

Medical Support to Irregular Warfare (MSIW)

The MSIW network unites medical professionals dedicated to conducting medical operations in austere, contested, and denied environments or focused on irregular warfare impacts to the medical sector. The network’s primary objective is to foster global collaboration among subject matter experts, facilitating the exchange of essential insights and actions related to medical efforts within the context of irregular warfare.

IW Scholars Network

The IW Scholars Network is made up of academics, students, and early career professionals dedicated to advancing the study and practice of irregular warfare. Through collaborative research, peer engagement, and professional development, the group connects emerging voices with experts across the defense, academic, and policy sectors. The IW Scholars Network provides a platform for members to explore evolving IW challenges, exchange insights, and contribute to shaping innovative approaches for the future of irregular warfare. Every year, the IWC hosts a Student Colloquium showcasing emerging IW scholars as part of the IW Scholars Network.

Contested Logistics & Sustainment

The Contested Logistics network unites a diverse group of professionals dedicated to overcoming sustainment and logistical challenges in both contested and uncontested environments worldwide. This network encompasses all domains targeting logistical operations, facilities, and activities within the U.S., overseas, and in transit. Its goal is to cultivate strong global partnerships, leveraging this community to effectively allocate resources and provide support on a global scale.

Emerging Technology

The Emerging Technology network focuses on understanding and capitalizing on technological advancements that possess the potential to significantly shape the landscape of irregular warfare. This focus extends beyond traditional military capabilities to the complexities of asymmetric conflict, where non-state actors, private entities, and unconventional forces operate ensuring education and preparedness in a rapidly evolving domain where technology can be both an asset and a challenge.

Threat Finance and Economic Levers (TFEL)

The TFEL network is focused on understanding the counter threat finance and threat finance and economic levers (TFEL) in relation to irregular warfare. It consists of diverse professionals who seek to understand both our own as well as adversaries’ financial networks, capabilities, and vulnerabilities. It comprises multi-disciplinary experts including but not limited to intelligence, OIE, and emerging technology to understand and exploit economic and financial levers that contribute to the irregular warfare mission.

Mission Assurance

The Mission Assurance network is a targeted group of national security professionals focused on ensuring the continued function and resilience of the key systems, personnel, and infrastructure that underpin the warfighter amid irregular warfare threats. This FAN is open to individuals across the U.S. government focused on the systems critical to the execution of DoW mission-essential functions in any operating environment or condition. As the newest IWC FAN, members will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the FAN to best address critical irregular warfare vulnerabilities that threaten key national security interests. 

Join A Network

For more information or to join an IWC Functional Area Network please email dsca.iwc-fan@mail.mil.