Featuring interviews, analysis, and discussions covering leading issues of the day related to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Topics include current...
Long Overdue: The Case for Reforming DOD’s PPBE Process, Part I
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.
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Advancing EMSO through the Replicator Initiative
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 [email protected].
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Exploring New Advancements in the field of Directed Energy Weapons
In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Christopher Lloyd, Senior Technologist for Directed Energy with The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Virginia.The pair check in on several recent developments in the promising field of directed energy weapons (DEWs). Dr. Lloyd says that senior leaders with the Navy have realized that directed energy weapons can play an integral part in multi-domain operations. New prototypes and stronger ties between the Office of the Secretary of Defense, academia and industry partners make the capability one with few limits on its utility. Dr. Lloyd details how two directed energy weapon programs — the Optical Dazzling Interdictor (ODIN), a low-power laser system, and the the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system — have been significant wins for the Navy in allowing its sailors to become more proficient with this new technology.Interested in taking a deeper dive into EW technology? Visit here to access the new 6-episode FTCN Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Series. Season 1of is powered by L3Harris. Episodes 1 and 2 are now available.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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What does the new political landscape mean for EW
In this exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, host Ken Miller welcomes back author, journalist, and expert Jeffrey Fischer. They discuss what the US elections mean for global defense and security. What’s in store for US partners and allies, including NATO, as the in-coming Trump Administration re-evaluates US leadership and intervention abroad. They also discuss recent developments in the War in Ukraine and how drones and commercial off-the-self technology is changing the way we fight in the EMS. 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 [email protected].
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Strengthening the Signal: The Air Force's New Era in Spectrum Warfare
In this episode of "From The Crow’s Nest," host Ken Miller is joined by Colonel Michael Middents and Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Cox at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to celebrate the activation of the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group and the 17th Electronic Warfare Squadron.Lieutenant Colonel Cox highlights how Air Force leadership is beginning to recognize the historic neglect of electronic warfare within its ranks. He explains that only recently have the Air Force and DOD started investing in strengthening cohesion and uniting these critical military components. Colonel Minutes concurs, adding that the Air Force has untapped growth potential in the realm of electronic warfare, signaling an exciting new chapter for the service.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
Featuring interviews, analysis, and discussions covering leading issues of the day related to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Topics include current events and news worldwide, US Congress and the annual defense budget, and military news from the US and allied countries. We also bring you closer to Association of Old Crow events and provide a forum to dive deeper into policy issues impacting our community.