IW Global Network.
IW Global Network
The IW Global Network (IWGN) is a groundbreaking initiative that serves as a force multiplier and coordinator for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its partners, ultimately aiming to double the warfighter’s lethality 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 Defense for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC) and global partners. These FANs focus on specific areas of concern, fostering cohesive efforts across the DoD, 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 IWGN’s adaptive nature allows for the continuous creation of new FANs as needs arise, further solidifying its commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats in the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare.
New FANs continuously arise as the community identifies needs, and the Center expands its efforts to encompass additional areas of focus. This adaptive approach ensures that the FANs remain responsive to evolving irregular challenges.
FANs aim to foster a cohesive effort across the Department of Defense (DoD), Interagency (IA), private sector, and global partners. This collective approach aims to maximize Irregular Warfare capabilities and 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.
Resource Mobilization: Pooling resources collaboratively to fund projects, initiatives, or campaigns related to shared interests.
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)
Medical Support to IW
The Medical Support to IW network unites medical professionals dedicated to conducting medical operations in austere, contested, and denied environments. 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.
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.
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.
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.
IW Student Working Group (SWG)
The IW SWG is a student-focused network dedicated to deepening understanding and 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 SWG provides a platform for students to explore evolving IW challenges, exchange insights, and contribute to shaping innovative approaches for the future of irregular warfare.
Defense of the Homeland
The Defense of the Homeland network, made up of professionals in the realms of homeland defense and law enforcement, tackles some of the most pressing irregular challenges that threaten the security of the U.S. homeland. This group aims to make novel cross-sectoral contributions to defense—allowing the warfighter to not only respond head-on to threats to the homeland but to get ahead of them.
Counter Threat Finance (CTF)
The CTF 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.
Join A Network
For more information or to join an IWC Functional Area Network please email fan@irregularwarfarecenter.org.