Much of the asymmetric advantage exploited by U.S. adversaries comes from forces operating under conditions and in environments in which military capabilities and advantages are reduced. STO seeks systems concepts and technologies that will help reverse these asymmetries including providing the warfighter a more comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and allowing uninterrupted operations under conditions in which critical capabilities (e.g., communication, navigation, mobility, access to energy supplies) are degraded.
Of particular interest are technologies and techniques to permit operations in extreme environments, such as the Arctic, without the loss of capability. System concepts that deliver timely and relevant effects with minimal collateral damage, and that could enhance our ability to counter easy-to-use adversarial weapons may also be relevant to this area.