When it comes to battle networks, EW is a bandwidth hog. For most of its history, EW has been conducted from individual weapons platforms with limited coordination between them. When connectivity could be established between platforms, for example on an airborne electronic attack mission, it was mostly done over voice radios rather than exchanging information over datalinks. For the warfighter, the limited number of EW nodes on battle networks has hindered the contribution that EW can bring to the fight.
This situation has been changing slowly over the past two decades, as datalinks have become more robust and battle networks have become faster. Today, the DOD is not only pursuing its Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) strategy, it is also well along the path of developing a Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management System (EMBM) that will change how the warfighter sees the electromagnetic operating environment, as well as managing and employing EW systems within it.
On Monday from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM in Potomac Ballroom A, the symposium will hold a breakout session titled "Realizing Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2)." This session will be moderated by Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret), former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Headquarters US Air Force (HAF/A2) and current Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
On Tuesday, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM in Potomac Ballroom A, the symposium will host another breakout session titled "Joint EMSO Through Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM)." This session will be moderated by Mr. Kevin Laughlin, (Acting) PEO Spectrum, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DISA's Defense Spectrum Office (DSO) has been developing the DOD's Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM-J) System.
If you want to understand how JADC2 and EMBM will help to shape the future of EW, you don't want to miss either of these sessions.