In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller talks to Brian “Hinks” Hinkley, a retired Navy Captain and President of the Association of Old Crows. The two talk about how far the world of EW has changed in recent years, including evidence that people are understanding how critical EW and EMSO is in combat situations around the world. Brian tells Ken that America faces a variety of EW-related challenges – from the threat of rogue nations and non-state actors gaining access to EW technology to a dated acquisition procurement system. The two also discuss the current state of recruitment and training, and what AOC and others can do to help develop highly-trained personnel.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, host Ken Miller is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) and Matt Thompson, AOC’s Senior Analyst to discuss current events and news on electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Together, they share their insights on recent developments in cognitive EW and the role of artificial intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), investment trends on unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and air-launched effects (ALE), and the need to address gaps in EW training and readiness.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.

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller talks to author Dr. Joseph Guerci about the evolution and outlook for cognitive electronic warfare systems. Dr. Guerci is an internationally recognized leader in research and development of next generation sensor and cognitive systems and has over 30 years of experience in government, industry and academia, including several years with DARPA.Ken asks Dr. Guerci about the relationship between artificial intelligence, deep learning and cognitive systems, as well as what “neuromorphic” chips are. The two explore the role and limitations of “digitally engineering” in electronic warfare training. 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, host Ken Miller is joined from Toulouse, France, by Dr. Tom Withington and San Antonio, TX, by Matt Thompson, AOC’s Senior Analyst to discuss current events and news on electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) from literally around the world. Dr. Withington is the Editor, defense commentator, journalist, and military historian with Armada. Ken, Tom, and Matt discuss the increasing frequency of GPS jamming by Russia in Eastern Europe, the latest in the Russia-Ukraine War, and how UAVs are changing the way we conduct EMSO.   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.

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller and AOC senior analyst Matt Thompson host a panel of experts with the U.S. Air Force’s 55th Electronic Combat Group called Compass Call. Lt. Col. Jesse Palchick and 1st Lt. Colin Schulz discuss the plans to transition their fleet from the aging EC-130H to the EA-37B aircraft and describe the capability differences between the new and outgoing models. They note that the upcoming EA-37B model will be able to fly higher and faster than the current EC-130H. Ken asks Jesse and Matt how the Air Force has improved its understanding of the importance of electronic warfare and how upgrading to this new aircraft will affect the personnel working aboard this fleet.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, host Ken Miller is joined by Madison Arcangeli and Katy Nazaretova from Forza DC to discuss the current state of Capitol Hill and the annual appropriations process. They cover a range of topics including keeping the government funded through FY 2024, the beginning of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, the Ukraine War Supplemental, and the President’s upcoming State of the Union Address. It’s also Super Tuesday, so Ken, Madison and Katy discuss the impact of this week’s primary elections on the general election in November for Congress and the President. To learn more about Forza DC, please visit here. 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.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Dr. David Thirtyacre, Assistant Professor in the College of Aeronautics at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. David is the Chair and Chief Pilot for the Department of Flight and currently instructs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Flight Operations, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Performance, Unmanned Systems, Airborne Robotics, and Aviation and Aerospace Simulation Systems. He retired from the USAF with 27 years of duty in the fighter community with over 3500 hours piloting fighter aircraft and was a pioneer in the use of unmanned systems. They discuss how sUAS are used in current conflicts around the world and the capabilities they offer, including signals intelligence (SIGINT), tactical communications and networking, and as a weapons system. David also shares his thoughts on how artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving the use of sUAS and what the future holds for this advanced technology. 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, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague, retired USAF Colonel Jeffrey Fischer, to discuss the latest developments in the War in Ukraine after two years of fighting. Ken and Jeff discuss a myriad of related topics, including F-16s to Ukraine, the status of foreign aid from the U.S. and European Allies, the Russian capture of the Ukrainian city of Avdviiika, and how the 2024 U.S. presidential election may impact support for the war effort. In addition to being a well-regarded thought leader on the War in Ukraine and a staunch advocate for U.S. and European support for Ukraine, Jeff is an award-winning author of character-driven military fiction thrillers. His fourth and most recent book, the Russian Puppeteer, is a timely novel that captures the essence of the underlying dynamics of Russia and the Ukraine War. You can learn more about Jeff’s career and novels at www.jeffreyhfischer.com. 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.

In the episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Andrew Long of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Dr. Long has spent more than 16 years designing antennas and RF components for various applications ranging from moonshot research to commercial products, from HF to Q-band. His current tasks and interests at SwRI revolve around design, fabrication, and measurement of exceptionally novel apertures. Ken and Dr. Long discuss the rapidly growing field of High-Powered Microwave (HPM) technology, which serves as a bridge between traditional electronic warfare, especially electronic attack, and directed energy laser technology. What qualifies as HPM? What are the fundamental challenges and trade-offs, and where are current research pursuits taking the combined EW and DE communities. To learn more about SwRI, visit here. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

From the Crows’ Nest Host Ken Miller is joined once again by AOC Senior Analyst Matt Thompson and JED Editor-in-Chief John Knowles. They continue their discussion from the January 24 episode on January 24 to share their thoughts on recent developments across the global EMSO community, including news from the US Air Force 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, countering attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants from Yemen, and how Directed Energy can be a game-changer in an increasingly turbulent global security environment – and how EW specialists can help bring DE capabilities to the field.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. For a limited time, these episodes will be available to everyone who already enjoys our podcast. Become a member today so you won’t miss one of these essential episodes at crows.org.

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller brings back Brian Clark, Senior Fellow and Director for the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Brian’s upcoming report titled “Hedging Bets: Rethinking Force Design for a Post Dominance Era” argues that the United States is in a “post dominance era” and faces relatively new disadvantages due to weapon proliferation. Brian notes that one of the biggest advantages of the U.S. right now is that it isn’t seeking to change the status quo of a country or region, unlike countries like China or Russia. Brian and Ken discuss how to predict the probabilities of potential conflict and what potential role members of proposed “hedge forces” can take in responding to international conflict. Brian also explains how the Department of Defense can take steps to make an affordable defense force.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In the first episode of From the Crows’ Nest subscriber series, host Ken Miller sits down with John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), and AOC’s Senior Analyst Matt Thompson. They discuss a range of current events topics including the Compass Call and the arrival of the new EA-37B aircraft, the U.S. defense budget, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.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. For a limited time, these episodes will be available to everyone who already enjoys our podcast. Become a member today so you won’t miss one of these essential episodes.  Learn more here.

In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller speaks with Jarrett Holcomb, a senior research engineer at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Jarrett launched his career by developing an EW-centric test software called SPARTA, which later won an R&D 100 award. He was also recently recognized as an AOC Future 5 for his contributions to the Electromagnetic Warfare community.  In recent years, Jarrett has focused on researching next-generation receiver architectures that meet the demanding requirements of future threats. Jarrett and Ken discuss advancements in wideband technology, open systems architectures, and the role of artificial intelligence in changing data processing for electronic intelligence. They later note the organizational challenges in trying to implement next-generation technology.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 Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with retired US Air Force Lieutenant General Lance Landrum during AOC 2023 to discuss Strategic Partnerships and Alliances. General Landrum was a keynote speaker on the last day of the annual symposium. He is the former 23rd Deputy Chair of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee. In this capacity, helped forge consensus among Allies on military advice and recommendations for bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defense. Prior to this assignment General Landrum served as the United States European Command Director of Operations (J3) and the Joint Staff J8 Deputy Director for Requirements and Capability Development, where he stood up and ran the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cross Functional Team. They discuss how the integration of cyber and space capabilities into traditional warfare domains alters the strategic landscape for the U.S. and its allies and what lessons can General Landrum share to advance EMS superiority through international partnerships. To learn more about AOC 2023, please visit our homepage.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Day 3 Keynote Speaker Vice Admiral Francis Morley, US Navy. Admiral Morley is the Principle Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. They discuss the the current state of play in today’s Department of the Navy acquisition efforts, including specific areas of EW, the challenges of today and tomorrow, opportunities, and our collective challenge going forward in today’s increasingly competitive world order. Ken is also joined by AOC Senior Analyst Matt Thompson for his insight into the myriad of topics discussed during the symposium this week.To learn more about AOC 2023, please visit our homepage.

In this special episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes Col. William “Dollar” Young, USAF (Ret.) and Maj. Gen. David Gaedecke, USAF (Ret.) to discuss their symposium session on Advancing EMS Superiority. Their session traces the spectrum superiority story arc from 2018 through the present, through the eyes of senior leaders particularly well-positioned to offer critical observations and fresh insights into the history, evolution, current status, and future of spectrum superiority. Ken also then sits down with AOC Senior Analyst Matt Thompson to “connect the dots” among the many sessions and technical briefings taking place this week. To learn more about AOC 2023, please visit our homepage.

In this episode of FTCN, host Ken Miller is joined by the opening keynote speaker, Lt Gen Matthew Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information, US Marine Corps. Ken also sits with John Knowles, editor-in-chief of the JED magazine, and AOC International Board of Director Erik Bamford. They dive into the main themes of Day 1 of the symposium, which features discussions on the role of strategic alliances and partnerships in securing an EMS advantage in combat.To learn more about the AOC 2023, visit our homepage.

In this episode, Ken chats with Gordon Mansfield, Vice President of Global Technology Planning at AT&T Services. Mr. Mansfield manages AT&T’s investments in the electromagnetic spectrum. Ken and Mr. Mansfield discuss the importance of effectively sharing the electromagnetic spectrum between defense, government,and commercialoperations, as well as between nations around the world. They also explore the changing attitude from the Department of Defense towards sharing electromagnetic spectrum space. Mr. Mansfield also discusses the potential role Congress may play in the future of electromagnetic spectrum use and the complicated rollout of 5G access on military bases nationwide.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this episode, host Ken Miller sits down with Dylan Duplechain, the Chief Engineer of the US Air Force’s 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing. Ken and Dylan dive deeper into the mission and work of the Wing from a technology perspective. They discuss target waveform development and assessments, modernization of rapid reprogramming, cognitive electromagnetic warfare, and investment in the growth of the civilian workforce. 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 Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with longtime friend and colleague retired Colonel Laurie Buckhout to discuss a range of current challenges and opportunities facing the EMSO community, including how the US Army has achieved greater focus on EW in recent years, what lessons Col. Buckhout has learned as the first to lead the US Army’s EW Division more than a decade ago. They also discuss some opportunities on the horizon for EMSO, especially strengthening interoperability and compatibility with allies and partners around the world. Finally, Col. Buckhout shares some exciting news about the next step in her career. Laurie Buckhout is a retired US Army Colonel and decorated combat commander. She grew up on a farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and attended James Madison University on an ROTC Scholarship.  She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps in 1984. She spent the next 26 years in assignments around the world, including commanding an 800-person battalion task force as part of the initial spearhead attack into Iraq in 2003.  She was tasked to lead the new EW Division that the US Army stood up around 2010. After retirement, she went on to start a very successful consulting company, which she recently sold. Today, she works tirelessly to continue her strong support for warfighters. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University, a Master’s of Military Arts and Science in National Military Strategy, and a Master’s of Science in Information Management from Webster University. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.