From the Crows' Nest

In this very special—and slightly chaotic—April Fools’ Day edition of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller discovers just how hard it is to book a guest when everyone thinks it’s a prank. With no high-level military officials or defense tech experts willing to risk being punk’d, Ken turns to a trusted voice close to home: Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs joins him in the studio to answer listener emails and take a few surprisingly tough questions from our very real (and definitely not hired-actors) studio audience.Ken also offers his thoughts on some serious topics—including the growing role of AI and Cognitive EW, much-needed defense budget reform, the latest EMSO manual from the Joint Staff, and today’s complex global security environment.Oh, and there may be a surprise announcement about the Pentagon's new "Invisible Aircraft Program"... but we'll let you decide if that one's real.Don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Each year, the AOC Educational Foundation honors five exceptional young professionals through its Future 5 program, recognizing individuals who represent the future of the EW field through innovation, leadership, and impact. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller speaks with four of the 2024 Future 5 award recipients: Imani Davis, Matthew Copeland, Paul Kennedy, and Michael Gutierrez.These emerging leaders are tackling key challenges in EW, from integrating cyber tools into engineering education to strengthening collaboration between R&D teams and those deploying new technologies. Despite their diverse roles, the panelists share a common emphasis on the importance of mentorship and community in shaping successful careers in electronic warfare.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode is free to listen to during the month of March in recognition of Women’s History Month.In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," host Ken Miller welcomes long-time colleague, EMSO advocate, and former AOC president, Lisa Frugé-Cirilli. Lisa is the US Department of Defense (DoD) Customer Requirements and Advocacy at BAE Systems, Inc.  Ken and Lisa discuss how the critical role that sustainment and life cycle management plays in advancing EMSO, and how Robins Air Force Base in Middle Georgia is having a significant impact on Georgia’s economy and is a leading center of gravity, not just for the US Air Force, but also the joint forces. Lisa shares the importance of collaboration in successful mission execution. In honor of Women’s History Month, Lisa also discusses the importance of work ethic and mentorship in professional development.Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In honor of Women’s History Month, host Ken Miller and guest co-host Hollann Schwartz are joined in this episode of From the Crows’ Nest by E&M Operations Manager and AOC member Christelle Ward. Christelle’s new initiative, Empowering Women in Electronic Warfare, aims to build a group of EW women that support, uplift and empower women entering this male-dominated industry.Christelle has played many roles in armed service: a service member for the Navy, an instructor or contractor for the Army and a spouse of a member of the Marine Corps. Within the EW world, Christelle says she wants her new initiative to serve as a way for women to connect, share experiences in both the academia and industry side of the field.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode is free to listen to during the month of March in recognition of Women’s History Month.In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," host Ken Miller welcomes friend and subject matter expert, Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is retired US Army Colonel, small business woman, EW subject matter expert.  She also was the first chief of the US Army EW Division and is a small businesswoman. Ken and Laurie discuss the challenging global security environment and the need to cultivate leadership and invest in and field advanced non-kinetic capabiliites, including Electromagnetic Warfare and Cyber.  Laurie was a congressional candidate from North Carolina in the November 2024 US general election. Laurie and Ken share their thoughts on the early months of the Trump administration. They also discuss the contributions of women in EW and the importance of providing mentorship and guidance early in a military career.  Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Artificial intelligence burst into mainstream awareness less than three years ago with tools like ChatGPT and image generators such as Google Gemini. However, AI — particularly machine learning — has been shaping electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) for decades.In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the cutting edge of AI in next-generation EMSO systems with Rob Hyland, Principal Scientist and Director of Program Transition at Charles River Analytics.Rob discusses how “hybrid” AI is revolutionizing EMSO, enabling systems to learn entire segments of the electromagnetic spectrum, accelerate upgrades, and enhance adaptability. He also highlights the challenges of applying AI to modern threats, stressing the urgent need for specialized talent to model, train, and integrate AI within the defense sector.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, host Ken Miller welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Ken and John revisit EMSO reforms from recent defense budgets and discuss the level of progress (or in the case of EMSO, lack of progress). They also look to the FY 2026 defense budget that is on the horizon to discuss challenges and opportunities for funding EMSO priorities considering pressures to cut defense spending and bring efficiencies to the Department of Defense. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Bryan Clark, senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Bryan is the author of the newly released report, Winning the Fight for Sensing and Sensemaking: Fielding Cyber and Electronic Warfare Capabilities at Scale. The report tackles a critical challenge for the American defense industry: How can the DOD strengthen its supply chain and drive private-sector innovation in the non-kinetic defense space? Bryan outlines a six-step model designed to accelerate innovation in electronic warfare and EMSO, mirroring the success seen in kinetic programs. Tune in as he breaks down the key takeaways and what they mean for the future of defense technology.

In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, host Ken Miller is joined by Erik Bamford to discuss International EW headlines. Erik is Branch Chief for Electromagnetic Warfare with the Norwegian Armed Forces and a member of the AOC Board of Directors. Ken and Erik discuss a new Spectrum law that took effect in Norway that is a beacon for improving coalition EW training. They also discuss the evolution of joint EW training and coordination in NATO and some leading discussion topics that will be covered during AOC Europe in Rome in May 2025. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by a panel of special guests today: Scott “Sherm” Oliver, former chief of staff of the EMSO cross-functional team; Paul Arcangeli, senior advisor at the public relations firm Invariant and a former professional staff and staff director of the House Armed Services Committee in the U. S. Congress; and Jeffrey Fischer, author, journalist and new board member to the Association of Old Crows. The panel discussion was recorded in front of a live audience in December at AOC 2024.Ken and the panel have an open conversation about the Department of Defense’s EMS strategy and discuss fundamental questions facing folks in the EMSO and defense space: is the strategy succeeding in changing the way the DoD fights in the electromagnetic spectrum? Do elements of this plan need to be revisited? What are the prospects of reforming acquisition processes in a new Congress?Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this special member-exclusive episode, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague Col. Jeffrey Fischer, USAF (Ret.) to discuss the inauguration of President Donald Trump, what to expect from his new Cabinet, especially as it pertains to the future of NATO and the outlook for the Ukraine-Russia War. They also discuss the worsening challenge of EMS battle management and the role of EW in counter-counter-drone capabilities. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, host Ken Miller answers audience questions and listener mail. Ken discusses everything from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, to the legislative uncertainty of the new Congress, the need for greater awareness of Space EW, and what lessons should we be learning from the War in Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific region. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the world of cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) with Captain David Rueter, Program Manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems at the U.S. Navy’s PMA-234. From game-changing advancements to the challenges that keep him awake at night, Capt. Rueter offers an insider’s look into the Navy’s most critical EW initiatives.Capt. Rueter walks Ken through key programs shaping the future of airborne electronic attack, including the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) mid- and low-band systems, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, and the Intrepid Tiger ALQ-231. While the Navy has been at the forefront of countering emerging threats, Capt. Rueter reveals a lingering concern: the readiness of the legacy ALQ-99 system, which dates back to the 1970s and remains a critical yet challenging component of the Navy's EW arsenal.Despite these hurdles, Capt. Rueter highlights significant progress, noting the rollout of the NGJ mid-band system in 2023 and L3Harris’s recent contract to advance the NGJ low-band system. As threats evolve, he emphasizes how vital these advancements are for maintaining the Navy’s edge in the electromagnetic battlespace.Tune in for an enlightening discussion that pulls back the curtain on the Navy’s relentless push to stay ahead in the ever-shifting realm of EW.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this special episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by returning guest Dustan Hellwig, founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Chesapeake Technology International, to discuss what we know and need to know about the increased sightings of drones in NJ and along the East Coast of the U.S.  Ken and Dustan try to dispel conspiracies but recognize that what is happening points to a trend in both the commercial and military use of drones that will continue to evolve rapidly and this trend exposes cracks in our policies and procedures to address concerns in a timely manner. This is the last episode of 2024 (unless we decide it’s not!).  We’ll return to our regular episodes in early January 2025. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In part two of this special series, From the Crows’ Nest host Ken Miller brings back researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts from George Mason University Costello School of Business and its Baroni Center for Government Contracting to discuss the findings from six case studies they’ve conducted and what they ultimately recommend to reform the DOD’s PPBE Process.The pair found that their case studies ultimately confirmed commonly held criticisms of the process: that there were delays when funding rapid development and deployment of new capabilities was needed. They ultimately issued nine different recommendations to reform the process including reducing program elements to make a more streamlined and consolidated budget,  as well as amending the continuing resolution prohibition on new starts to allow program offices dealing with new requirements or new technological developments to adapt to them without having to wait until January or February of the following year. While the pair say the future of DOD PPBE reform is uncertain, they say that the final report has executive-level support — a note of optimism that some of these recommendations may be implemented.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of From the Crows’ Nest is coming to you from AOC 2024. On Day 3 of the show, host Ken Miller is joined by Major General Elisabeth Michelsen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Joint Force Command Norfolk. They focus their discussion on lessons learned from the War in Ukraine and the strategic importance of the high North and Arctic territories. They also talk about strengthening training, technology development, especially in sensor and signals intelligence, and collaboration in the electromagnetic operating environment. Ken is then later joined by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) for his closing thoughts on AOC 2024. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of From the Crows’ Nest is coming to you from AOC 2024. On Day 2 of the show, host Ken Miller is joined by General Thomas Bussiere, Commander Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic – Air, U.S. Strategic Command. Later, Ken sits with Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton, Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. Tenth Fleet / Joint Force Headquarters - Cyber (Navy). They discuss this week’s theme of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) in the context of Great Power Competition. They also share collaborative efforts under their leadership across the joint force and with allied/partner forces in the realm of EMSO. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of FTCN is coming to you from AOC 2024. We will be releasing new episodes each day as we discuss Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations - the Great Power Competition, the theme of this year’s show. Host Ken Miller sits down with opening keynote speaker Major General AnnMarie Anthony, Director of Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations within US STRATCOM. Ken and General Anthony set what EMSO means for today’s fight and the need to pursue education, training, and assessment of our ability to maneuver in the EMS. Ken also sits down with John Knowles, Editor in Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), for his take on what we need to learn and discuss here at AOC 2024.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In the first of a special two-part series, From the Crows’ Nest host Ken Miller speaks with researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts from George Mason University Costello School of Business and its Baroni Center for Government Contracting to learn more about the Department of Defense’s PPBE (Planning, Programming, Budgeting, Execution) process and why their research finds the department’s decision-making processes is in need of major change.The PPBE process is a complicated process dating back decades.  Kojac and Letts walk through their research that was part of the work and final report of the Commission on PPBE Reform completed earlier this year. Letts says that PPPE affects everyone in the defense industrial base and many DOD entities have a very large stake in it. Yet few are experts on the process that Letts and Kojac describe as one that creates a moat for people actually understanding it and being able to function with it.Adding to this complexity is that Kojac says the PPBE process is highly dependent on Congress… and that understanding a highly divided Congress is key to understanding what is being debated in the PPBE.Part II of this interview will be released on December 18.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, host Ken Miller welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Ken and John discuss the progress and future of the DOD’s Replicator Initiative as insight into how the Department is addressing evolving threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, especially pertaining to the use of unmanned systems. They also discuss the latest in the lawsuit brought about by Ligado LLC against the DOD and what it means for the push toward dynamic spectrum access. This is the final subscription bonus episode for 2024 through the holidays. We will return to our normal schedule in January 2025. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. Episodes 1-3 are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.