Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering
Critical Technology Areas
The Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering’s Critical Technology Areas are essential to addressing the United States' most pressing national security challenges. These 6 CTAs reflect the complex environment for technology investment, development, and application in the 21st century. By focusing efforts and investments in these areas, the Department of War accelerates the transition of key capabilities to the Military Services and Combatant Commands. These are the most crucial areas that our military will achieve dominance in, ensuring that our warfighters never enter a fair fight.
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Applied Artificial Intelligence
Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI): Transforming the War Department into an “AI-First” organization, aligned with the White House AI Action Plan, to revolutionize decision-making and operational efficiency.
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Mr. Cameron Stanley
Mr. Cameron Stanley currently serves as the War Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) and as the Senior Official for the Applied Artificial Intelligence CTA. Mr. Stanley will lead the Department’s adoption of data, analytics, and AI to generate a decisive warfighter advantage in all domains of warfare. A former National Security Transformation Lead for Amazon Web Services and Chief of the Algorithmic Warfare Cross Functional Team (Project Maven), Mr. Stanley brings unparalleled experience in operationalizing AI to deliver decision superiority on the battlefield..
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Biomanufacturing
Biomanufacturing (BIO): Harnessing living systems to produce critical capabilities and substances at scale, eliminating supply chain vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience.
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Dr. Gary J. Vora
Dr. Gary Vora will serve as the Senior Official for the Biomanufacturing CTA, directing efforts to scale critical materials and strengthen supply chain resilience. As the former Principal Scientist for Biotechnology for the Navy, Dr. Vora has extensive experience advancing biotechnologies from the laboratory to operational use as Programs of Record.
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Contested Logistics Technologies
Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG): Overcoming the challenges of disrupted or denied logistics to ensure seamless resupply and operational continuity in contested environments.
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Dr. Robert Mantz
Dr. Robert Mantz will serve as the Senior Official for the Contested Logistics Technologies CTA. With more than four decades of federal service, Dr. Mantz has held senior roles at the Army Research Office and DARPA, where he oversaw major programs in energy storage and advanced power systems. His background in research management, technology transition, and logistics‑focused innovation will guide the Department’s efforts to advance and implement solutions that strengthen operational efficiency in contested logistics environments.
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Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance
Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance (Q-BID): Delivering advanced capabilities to maintain communications, precision navigation and timing (PNT), and electromagnetic spectrum maneuverability, even in degraded or denied environments.
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Dr. Kevin Rudd
Dr. Kevin Rudd, a nationally recognized leader in electronic warfare, radar, RF systems and advanced sensing, will lead the Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance CTA. Dr. Rudd has a proven record of delivering disruptive capabilities from research to operational transition at DARPA and the Office of Naval Research.
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Scaled Hypersonics
Scaled Hypersonics (SHY): Fielding Mach 5+ hypersonic weapons en masse to strike targets with unmatched speed, precision, and survivability.
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Dr. James W. Weber
Dr. James Weber will serve as the Senior Official for the Scaled Hypersonics CTA, bringing more than 33 years of experience overseeing hypersonic system development. Dr. Weber has overseen a portfolio of programs exceeding $6 billion annually and will guide the War Department’s strategy to accelerate the development and fielding of affordable hypersonic capabilities at scale.
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Scaled Directed Energy
Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE): Breaking through affordability and production barriers to deliver cost-effective, high-energy solutions capable of neutralizing threats with precision.
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Dr. Christopher Vergien
Dr. Vergien will serve as the Senior Official for the Scaled Directed Energy CTA, providing strategic oversight for the Department’s High-Energy Laser and High-Power Microwave systems. Dr. Vergien will lead projects that advance and field operational capabilities, preserving American technological superiority.
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OUSW(R&E)
The Pentagon
Office of the Under Secretary of War,
Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E))
3030 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3030