link to page 1 
Updated May 31, 2022
The Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
The Significance of the Multi-Domain
both test its capabilities and develop requirements for
Task Force (MDTF)
equipment and units to be included as part of the MDTF
Congress has expressed concern about the threat to U.S.
force design. According to the Army, the MDTF’s purpose
national security posed by Russia and China. The Army
is
contends in order to address the threat, it must be able to
operate in a multi-domain (air, land, water, space, cyber,
during competition, to “gain and maintain contact with
information) environment, requiring new operational
our adversaries to support the rapid transition to crisis or
concepts, technologies, weapons, and units. The Multi-
conflict”;
Domain Task Force (MDTF) is the Army’s self-described
“organizational centerpiece” of this effort.
during a crisis, to “deter adversaries and shape the
environment by providing flexible response options to
What Is a Multi-Domain Task Force?
the combatant commander”; and
In the Army’s Chief of Staff Paper #1: Army Multi-Domain
Transformation Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict
if conflict arises, to “neutralize adversary A2/AD
dated March 16, 2021 the Army describes the Multi-
networks to enable joint freedom of action.”
Domain Task Force (MDTF) as “theater-level maneuver
elements designed to synchronize precision effects and
MDTF Organization
precision fires in all domains against adversary anti-access/
The diagram at Figure 1 depicts a notional generic MDTF:
area denial (A2/AD) networks in all domains, enabling joint
forces to execute their operational plan (OPLAN)-directed
Figure 1. Notional Generic MDTF
roles.”
What Is Anti-Access/ Area Denial (A2/AD)?
Anti-Access is defined as any action, activity, or
capability, usually long-range, designed to prevent an
advancing military force from entering an operational
area. Area Denial is defined as action, activity, or
capability, usually short-range, designed to limit an
adversarial force’s freedom of action within an
operational area. In terms of weapon systems, threat
A2/AD defenses are envisioned of being comprised of
layered and integrated long-range precision-strike
systems, littoral anti-ship capabilities, air defenses, and
long-range artillery and rocket systems.
MDTFs are intended to support freedom of action of U.S.
forces. MDTFs are to be scalable from operational to
Source: Chief of Staff Paper #1 Army Multi-Domain Transformation
strategic level and can be modified to support the needs of
Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict, March 16, 2021, p. 12.
Joint Force Commanders. MDTFs also provide supported
Notes: HIMARS: High-Mobility Artil ery Rocket System presently in
commanders the ability to plan, integrate, control, track,
use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. While not explicitly stated,
and assess the effectiveness of joint counter-A2/AD
the first Military Intel igence (MI) Company depicted is assumed to be
activities.
terrestrial y focused, while the second Military Intelligence Company,
based on its military symbol, is assumed to be space-focused.
The Army intends for each MDTF to have an All-Domain
Operations Center (ADOC) to enable 24/7 monitoring of
adversary activities in all domains.
What Is the Purpose of MDTFs?
The first MDTF was created in 2017 as an experimental
unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington and
participated in a variety of experiments and exercises to
https://crsreports.congress.gov
link to page 1 link to page 1 link to page 1 The Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
The Army notes each MDTF will be tailored to Combatant
Potential Issues for Congress
Commander requirements, so it is possible that the notional
Potential issues for Congress include but are not limited to
MDTF in Figure 1 may contain more, fewer, or other types
the following.
of units depending on the requirements of its assigned
theater of operations. In addition, the Mid-Range
How many soldiers will be assigned to a generic (as
Capabilities (MRC) Battery and the Long-Range
depicted in Figure 1) MDTF? Will the Army request
Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) Battery depicted in Figure 1
additional end strength to create MDTFs? If not, how
are not, at present, fully established and equipped units. The
will the Army acquire the soldiers needed for these new
Army currently plans to field its first MRC and LRHW
units? Will the other Services have personnel assigned
units in FY2023.
to MDTFs?
First LRHW Unit Equipped
With the 1st MDTF currently operational at Joint Base
On October 7, 2021, the Army announced it had started to
Lewis-McChord in Washington, the 2nd MDTF in
equip its first LRHW unit—the I Corps’ 5th Battalion, 3rd
Wiesbaden, Germany, and the 3rd MDTF being stood up
Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade—at
at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, when does the Army
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Equipment
intend to “stand up” the two remaining MDTFs?
delivered included a battery operations center, four
transporter erector launchers, and modified trucks and
According to the Army, the 2nd MDTF is to support U.S.
trailers. The fielding of the battalion is planned to be
Army Europe and Africa. While much has been said
completed in FY2023. The delivery of this initial
regarding the 2nd MDTF’s role in countering Russia and
equipment set will permit soldiers to train on the equipment
China, what, if any, type of role does the Army envision
and create doctrine for the system, as well as develop
for the 2nd MDTF in relation to operations in Africa?
systems-related tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Will any of the remaining two MDTFs be created in the
Army Plans for MDTFs
Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army
The Army plans to build five MDTFs: two aligned to the
Reserve)? If not, what is the Army’s rationale for not
Indo-Pacific region; one aligned to Europe; one stationed in
doing so?
the Arctic region and oriented on multiple threats; and a
fifth MDTF aligned for global response. MDTF-1 is
With Hawaii possibly only being a temporary location
headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington,
for the 3rd MDTF, where does the Army plan to
and aligned to the U.S. Army Pacific.
permanently station the remaining MDTFs?
Army Announces 2nd MDTF Stationing in Europe
Are there any political considerations/impediments
On April 13, 2021, the Army announced it would station its
affecting MDTF stationing—including both MDTFs
second MDTF in Germany. The Germany-based MDTF is
currently activated and those awaiting activation? What,
to support U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The Germany-
if any, are the associated military construction
based MDTF is to be composed of field artillery units;
(MILCON) requirements for all five MDTFs?
composite air and missile defense units; intelligence,
cyberspace, electronic warfare, and space units; and
As a theater and Combatant Command asset, how will
aviation and brigade support elements. Soldiers assigned to
the MDTF operate in support of the Joint Force?
the Germany-based MDTF and their accompanying family
members are to be part of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden.
Assuming that future operations could also involve
On September 16, 2021, the Army activated the 2nd MDTF
allies, how does the MDTF support allies and coalition
at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, initially consisting of a
partners?
headquarters element; an intelligence, cyberspace,
electronic warfare, and space detachment; and a brigade
Additional References
support company.
CRS Report R46721, U.S. Army Long-Range Precision
Third MDTF
Fires: Background and Issues for Congress, by Andrew
Feickert
The Army plans to activate the 3rd MDTF at Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii, in FY2023. The 3rd MDTF is to support
CRS Insight IN11019, The U.S. Army and Multi-
the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and
Domain Operations, by Andrew Feickert
the Army has not yet decided if the 3rd MDTF will be
permanently based at Schofield Barracks or somewhere else
CRS Report R46725, Joint All-Domain Command and
in the region. The initial tranche of 383 soldiers for the 3rd
Control: Background and Issues for Congress, by John
MDTF is to begin arriving in Hawaii in the summer of
R. Hoehn
FY2022, and decisions are pending as to when the 3rd
MDTF’s LRHW battery, MRC battery, and other
subordinate units will be stood up and made operational.
Andrew Feickert, Specialist in Military Ground Forces
IF11797
https://crsreports.congress.gov
The Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to
congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress.
Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has
been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the
United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be
reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include
copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you
wish to copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.
https://crsreports.congress.gov | IF11797 · VERSION 5 · UPDATED