Symposium Chair Welcome

	Lisa K. Frugé-Cirilli

On behalf of the Association of Old Crows (AOC), I’d like to welcome my fellow Crows of all ages to AOC 2024, the 61st Annual AOC International Symposium & Convention.

From the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the geopolitical situation is increasingly hostile and tensions are increasing worldwide. Whether a nation-state is monitoring borders for troop buildups through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in peacetime or denying vital data and information to its enemy through electronic attack during high-intensity conflict, superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum will be a key to victory in the Great Power Competition.

This year’s convention will rigorously examine many of the lessons learned from current conflicts and what they mean for maneuver and control in the EMS battlespace – across all warfighting domains, in all theaters of operation – and for EMS Superiority writ large.

There is always great value in bringing the community together and sharing insights, lessons learned, and best practices. I was honored when our AOC President, Brian Hinkley, invited me to chair this year's Symposium and to lead the development of the agenda. We wasted no time reaching out and identifying a well-rounded team to assist with developing a phenomenal agenda. I hope that you’ll be as pleased as I am with the symposium we’ve put together for you this year.

Specifically, I’m looking forward to the incredible line-up of senior leaders from around the world, our “Spotlight Sessions” on FMS/Security Cooperation, Contemporary Issues in EMS Operations, EMSO Within Current Conflicts and Hotspots, and our Air Force, Army and Navy Program Manager Briefing Series sessions. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that we’re also excited to receive your feedback regarding the unique variety of technical sessions the committee has lined up.

I look forward to seeing you all and having the opportunity to talk and network during convention week on the importance of Electromagnetic Spectrum Warfare: The Great Power Competition. 

Lisa K. Frugé-Cirilli
2024 AOC Symposium Chair