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Tactical Operations Support (TOS)
Mission: Identify, prioritize, and execute research and development projects that enhance the capabilities of Department of Defense and interagency special operations tactical teams engaged in finding, fixing, and finishing terrorists. This includes the development of capabilities for state and local law enforcement agencies to combat domestic terrorism.
The Tactical Operations Support (TOS) Subgroup provides technology solutions to assist "direct action" operational personnel in a variety of tactical missions and environments. Most often these solutions are in the form of rapidly prototyped and specialized equipment. Each material solution is specifically designed to provide enhanced mission effectiveness while assisting operational personnel in maintaining "situational awareness." The subgroup is co-chaired by representatives from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
Focus Area Product Catalogs
TOS focus areas reflect the prioritized requirements of offensive counterterrorism forces.
Most TOS programs are classified or highly sensitive. Program requirements, the success of programs, and the specific capabilities of these programs cannot be shared publicly; however, the details of products that are appropriate for public notice will be posted in the focus area.
Communications Systems
Develop flexible and enhanced communications capabilities specifically designed for tactical forces. Emphasize reducing the size of equipment while improving operator mobility and efficiency. Consider durability, concealment, innovative power sources, range, reception, battery life, ease of use, and low probability of detection/interception. Develop assured tactical communications connectivity in challenging environments such as buildings, caves, tunnels, below deck, or underground bunkersProducts
Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance Systems
Develop technologies to assist tactical teams in conducting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions. Develop systems that enhance the visual perception or other imaging capabilities of tactical operators in all conditions and environments. Develop independent, vehicular, or weapon-mounted systems for enhanced aiming, target designation, illumination, range detection, or surveillance. Products
Offensive Systems
Develop equipment and capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of small offensive tactical teams engaged in specialized operations. Develop specialized weapons, munitions, detonators, distraction/diversion devices, and other unique tactical equipment. Develop systems to support sniper and countersniper operations. Develop man-portable sensor systems to enhance operator security during tactical missions.
Specialized Access Systems
Develop technologies that assist tactical assault forces in gaining rapid access to objectives, improve evaluation of tactical options, and support efficiency and stealth of operations. Develop enhanced manual and dynamic breaching technologies for tactical assault teams. Develop clandestine defeat override devices for building and vehicle entry points. Products
Survivability Systems
Develop clothing, individual equipment, mobility platform enhancements, and man-portable systems that provide protection from or identification of ballistic, fragmentation, explosive, and thermal threats during the conduct of tactical missions.
Unconventional Warfare, Counterinsurgency Support
Develop innovative solutions for small specialized tactical operations teams conducting a broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations including counterinsurgency and foreign internal defense missions through, with, or by host nation indigenous forces building partner capacity to support U.S. objectives.