Multi-Domain Operations (MDO)
The U.S. Army’s operational concept for competing and winning against near-peer adversaries across all domains simultaneously: land, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace.
Core Idea
Adversaries (China, Russia) create layered standoff — anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems that prevent U.S. force projection. MDO penetrates and dis-integrates these systems through convergence of effects across all domains.
Three Phases
- Competition — Shape the environment below armed conflict threshold
- Penetrate/Dis-integrate — Create windows of advantage through cross-domain fires
- Exploit/Re-compete — Exploit penetration to achieve objectives; transition back to competition
Key Enablers
- JADC2 — Joint All-Domain Command and Control
- Long-range precision fires
- Converged ISR and targeting
- Electronic warfare and cyber operations
- Space-based capabilities