AWG's History

The Asymmetric Warfare Group traces its origin to the 2003 Army Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Task Force. The task force proved its relevance, and the Army G-3 directed the establishment of the Asymmetric Warfare Regiment (AWR) in June, 2004. The AWR eventually changed its name to the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG).

The initial successes achieved by the IED Task Force and its partners, as well as an overriding need for a coordinated, department-wide effort, led the Deputy Secretary of Defense to approve, on July 12, 2004, the establishment of the Army-led Joint IED Defeat Integrated Process Team (IPT). Organized around the existing Army IED Task Force, this group assumed the mission of pulling together all counter-IED efforts within the Department of Defense (DoD). The IPT identified, prioritized, and provided resources for material and nonmaterial solutions from across the services and DoD in coordination with interagency and international partners. The original Army task force, then augmented by joint service staff officers and noncommissioned officers, continued to accomplish the counter-IED operational mission as the Joint IED Defeat Task Force while also providing necessary support to the IPT.

Despite U.S. conventional military superiority and successes in the effort to stem asymmetric attacks, the ability of our adversaries to innovate and rapidly adapt their techniques continued to highlight gaps in U.S. force capabilities.

In January, 2006, the AWG was established as a Field Operating Agency under the operational control of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Headquarters, Department of the Army. The AWG was activated on March 8, 2006, at Fort Meade, MD.

The AWG was assigned to the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) on November 11, 2011 as a direct reporting unit to the Commanding General. The assignment to TRADOC enabled enhanced cooperation with the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC), Combined Arms Center (CAC), and the Centers of Excellence.

Since 2011, AWG has experienced a significant growth in Operational Advisory and Global Operational Scout missions, and activated its third Operational Squadron in 2013. With this enhanced capacity, AWG provides observations, analysis, and solution development into both the operational and institutional forces of the Army.

TRADOC Develops the Army

Combined Arms Center

Led by the Combined Arms Center, a three-star command located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, TRADOC manages the Army schools and centers that develop innovative and agile leaders and Trusted Professionals ready to lead formations and defeat the nation’s enemies.

TRADOC also develops and maintains the Army’s doctrine - the body of thought on how Army forces operate as an integral part of a joint force.

Developing leaders is the foundation for success for the Army’s future. TRADOC’s goal is to create an institutional learning environment that is challenging, dynamic, free flowing and exciting.

Such an environment is necessary to produce leaders of character who are capable of solving problems in a complex strategic environment, and who trust the Army institution to reward their innovation and unleash their creativity. These same leaders must be global in their thought, historical in their perspective and able to expertly operate in a complex Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational operational environment.

Join the Team

Benefits of Joining the AWG Team:

• Work alongside seasoned professionals
• Deploy globally to unique locations
• Remain operational
• Diverse assignments within the Group
• Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) for all members
• Opportunities for advanced and specialized training
• Interagency exposure
• Professionally challenged daily
• Assist in changing Army doctrine and developing new products
• Three-year assignment with the option to extend or return
• Operate with Conventional and Special Operation Forces

P R E R E Q U I S I T E S

Qualifications for Operational Advisors

• Active duty SFC-SGM, senior CPT-LTC
• 107 GT score for NCOs, no waivers
• Pass the APFT in current age group with no APFT limiting profiles
• Able to obtain and maintain up to a Top Secret clearance
• Officers must have completed at least 12 months of command and be a graduate of the CCC
• NCOs must have completed at least 24 months of platoon sergeant time or an equivalent assignment

Qualification for Operational Support

• Active duty SGT-SGM, CPT-LTC
• 107 GT score for NCOs, no waivers
• Pass the APFT in current age group; profiles are considered on a case-by-case situation
• Able to obtain and maintain up to a Top Secret clearance. Officers must have completed at least 12 months of command and be a graduate of the CCC

Available Positions
Call or e-mail the recruiters for current availability of support positions for your MOS and Rank. E-mail: army.awg.recruiting@mail.mil Phone: (301) 833-5366

How to Apply
Apply at our milSuite site. If you do not have CAC access, then download the application HERE and email to our recruiters at army.awg.recruiting@mail.mil.

Apply Online
Call or e-mail the recruiters for current availability of support positions for your MOS and Rank.
E-mail: army.awg.recruiting@mail.mil
Call: (301) 833-5366

The Review
After the application has been received by the AWG recruiters, it will enter a review process, which takes two to four weeks on average. Once the application has been reviewed by all pertinent parties, the candidate will be notified as to whether or not he/she will be invited to attend the Assessment and Selection course.

The Assessment and Selection Courses
Operational Advisor (U9) Assessment and Selection takes place at Fort AP Hill, Virginia. The course lasts seven days and is offered twice a year, in March and September. The course is 75 percent mental and 25 percent physical. Events: Pass a standard APFT and be IAW AR 600-9 HT/WT standards.

Psychological screening and evaluation
The course is scenario-based, but the candidate must come prepared to walk 7 to 10 miles per day while carrying a 30- to 35-pound daypack, as well as undertake some other light-to-moderate physical activities. Commander’s Board (candidate will be informed as to the results of the Board at that time).

Various other events.
Operational Support and Staff Assessment and Selection takes place at Fort Meade, Maryland. The selection course for support positions lasts three days and is conducted monthly.

Events: Pass a standard APFT and be IAW AR 600-9 HT/WT standards. Psychological screening and evaluation. Commander’s Board (candidate will be informed as to the results of the Board at that time).

Training
OATC (Operational Advisor Training Course) is a baseline skills course to train AWG Operational Advisors (U9). OATC is conducted twice a year, and is approximately 6 months in length. This training is conducted shortly after the Soldier's PCS into the unit.