The US Army Pacific (USARPAC) has activated its third multi-domain task force (MDTF) at Fort Shafter in Hawaii.
The new task force is the second unit to operate in the Pacific. It will join other units to expand USARPAC forces in the region.
Theater specialist Col. David Zinn was selected as the new MDTF’s first commander, with the task force expected to reach full operational capability by 2023.
USARPAC is currently working to integrate the new unit with Theater Army drills, including Operation Pathways, and to collaborate with US allies in the region.
“While they may not have a distinguished and storied history yet, this unit is quite special and unique,” USARPAC Commander Gen. Charles Flynn said.
“The multi-domain task force is a perfect example of how the Army creates warfighting advantages for the Joint Force.”
Multi-Domain Task Force
MDTF task forces are theater-specific units specializing in lethal and non-lethal long-range precision effects such as cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, and long-range capabilities.
The first MDTF was launched in 2017 and operates at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state.
The second MDTF is based in Germany and performs missions with US Army Europe and Africa.
The Fort Shafter MDTF will follow Washington MDTF in focusing on the Indo-Pacific, a region considered by the US Department of Defense as a “priority theater.”
“Our MDTFs are essential to building joint readiness, strengthening interoperability with our allies and partners, and denying adversaries key terrain,” Flynn said.
“Our activation in Hawaii reflects the Army’s commitment to this theater as our nation’s priority,” Zinn explained.
“We bring increased capacity, and complementary capability to the joint force in the Pacific. Our formation will provide capability to synchronize long-range precision effects, with long-range precision fires, providing increased freedom of action for the Joint Force.”