From the Crows' Nest – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by returning guest Dustan Hellwig to tackle a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of electronic warfare: how the community—AOC members and stakeholders—discuss EMSO needs and effects within a unified mathematical context to consolidate the various and potentially conflicting uses of the spectrum.

Ken and Dustan explore the importance of aligning terminology with a commander’s intent, with Dustan highlighting the role of machine learning technologies in translating this intent into mission-essential tasks, thereby enhancing understanding at every level of operation. But Dustan doesn’t just stick to theory; he also shares practical advice on how the different stakeholders in the EMSO space can find common ground—at least in terms of terminology—to make communication within the community more seamless.

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this episode of "From the Crow’s Nest," host Ken Miller sits down with Brian Clark, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Together, they delve into the heart of the Pentagon’s latest debates and innovative reforms.

Clark unveils his compelling "Iron Triangle" proposal—a strategic framework highlighting relevant capability, operational concepts, and scalable impact—as a beacon to guide the Department of Defense through a labyrinth of challenges. This episode doesn't shy away from the gritty reality of transforming isolated case studies into sweeping institutional change. Clark also shares insights from a riveting conversation on how groundbreaking technologies are reshaping defense strategies, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this AOC member/subscriber-only episode of From the Crows’ Nest coming to you from AOC Europe 2024 in Oslo, Norway, host Ken Miller is joined by three special guests: Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bamford, Branch Chief of EW, Norwegian Armed Forces; Journalist and author, Dr. Tom Withington; and Duncan McCrory from the Department of War Studies at King’s College, UK. Together they discuss alliances and collaboration in supporting multi-domain electromagnetic warfare operations.

These AOC member/subscribers-only episodes of FTCN will be released twice a month. Members and subscribers will also be able to participate in the live recording of the episodes. These episodes will be available for a limited time to everyone who already enjoys our podcast. Become a member today so you won’t miss one of these essential episodes at crows.org. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or comments at [email protected].

In this episode, podcast host Ken Miller sits with Mr. David Tremper, the Director of Electronic Warfare and the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Ken and David discuss the acquisition of new EW capabilities across the military services in the FY 2022 Defense Budget, the growing emphasis on EMS Survivability, and the rise of collaborative systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning, and how these new systems are shaping our ability to achieve EMS superiority.  

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our website.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Northrop Grumman Corporation.

In this episode, Host Ken Miller recaps and shares excerpts from a conversation he had earlier with Mr. John Knowles, editor of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). They cover a range of issues from the defense budget to JADC2, and some upcoming additions of the JED that are coming out in September. Ken also shares exciting news about upcoming From the Crows’ Nest episodes, including a sit down with Mr. David Weinberger, author of the book Everyday Chaos: Technology, Complexity, and How We’re Thriving in a New World of Possibility. 

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our website.

Modern warfare is becoming increasingly dependent on the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS). All command and control, communications, ISR, precision guided munitions, GPS, and low observable (stealth) technology depend on the ability to control the EMS. Our competitors have recognized this and are manning, training, and equipping themselves to deny us freedom to act in the EMS. 

Often discounted simply as lightning bolts on PowerPoint, the EMS has long been neglected. In this special episode, we present to you coverage from the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum: Drink & Think on Moving Beyond Lighting Bolts On PowerPoint, an event hosted at AOC headquarters, in Alexandria, Virginia. We hear from Ken Miller, Director of Advocacy & Outreach at the Association of Old Crows, Scott Oliver, Director of the Board of Advisors at the RVJ Institute, Pat Flood, Senior National Security Policy Advisor at the U.S. House of Representatives. The event was moderated by Courtney Barno, Code Director of DC Agora. 

Ken and guests discuss why a whole nation approach is necessary to ensure freedom of action within the EMS at the time and place of our choosing. Necessary efforts range from renewed government policies and reinvigorated academic research, to leap-ahead industrial technologies. The EMS represents a giant opportunity space for warfighters, entrepreneurs, investors, technologists, researchers, and policymakers alike. 

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our website.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Pacific Defense. 

Open systems architecture is changing the defense electronics market and business dynamics of the Department of Defense (DOD). Advancing software and hardware standards across DOD and military services is leading us to rethink the bridge that connects research & engineering (R&E) to acquisition. But challenges exist, including intellectual property rights, conformance, and architectural constraints early in development.  In this episode, Host Ken Miller is joined by Mr. Rodger Hosking from Mercury Systems and leader in the Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) Consortium; and Mr. Patrick Collier from the Aspen Consulting Group. We discuss these issues and challenges as DOD is set to release new standards later this summer. 

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our website.

The AOC thanks Northrop Grumman Corporation for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode, we’re exploring the complex implementation  of the Pentagon’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision and its impact on electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). We’re joined by Brigadier General Charles R. “Rob” Parker,  Deputy Director J6 of The Joint Staff. Together, Host Ken Miller and Brigadier General Parker discuss the five key lines of effort and how they will transform the way we fight and win in future combat; the roles of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the evolution of decision-making across dimensions of C2; and how important JADC2 initiatives are addressed in the defense budget in FY 2022 and beyond. Brigadier General Parker helps us understand the challenges and opportunities the Pentagon faces as it pursues ADC2 as it advances the JADC2 mission.

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

The AOC thanks Northrop Grumman Corporation for sponsoring this episode.

The national security community thrives on innovation. Today, we’re joined by Mr. Michael Madrid, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF), to discuss how DEF brings entrepreneurs from around the country to build a culture of innovation together. Ken and Michael discuss leveraging cross-sector expertise to empower people and agencies to embrace new approaches, technologies, and strategies. They also explore how organizations like the AOC and DEF can work together to create enduring opportunities for today’s entrepreneurs.  

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our website.

In this episode, we continue our series on the role of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) in Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Host Ken Miller sits down with Jim Conroy of Northrop Grumman Corporation for an industry perspective on delivering capabilities that meet JADC2 requirements for speed, compatibility and commonality. Then, Ken is joined by Mr. Patrick Flood, Senior National Security Policy Advisor for Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), a staff lead for the congressional Electromagnetic Warfare Working Group (EWWG).

To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

The AOC thanks Northrop Grumman Corporation for sponsoring this episode.