In Wednesday's keynote address, Maj Gen AnnMarie Anthony, Director of the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center (JEC) at US Strategic Command, discussed her organization's role in pursuing the goals of the DOD's EMS Superiority Strategy Implementation Plan (EMSSS IP). The IP, which was approved by the Secretary of Defense in 2021, is aimed at executing the five goals identified in the 2020 EMSSS: 1) develop superior EMS capabilities; 2) evolve to an agile, fully integrated EMS structure; 3) pursue total force EMS readiness; 4) secure enduring partnerships for EMS advantage; and 5) establish effective EMS governance. The first four goals fall under the responsibility of the JEC, which stood up in 2023. In fact, standing up the JEC was integral to pursuing these goals.

Among the EMSSS IP accomplishments, the development of a new Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) tool has been a top priority. General Anthony said, "The Joint Force and Services are aggressively refining concepts to better coordinate, prioritize, integrate and synchronize spectrum fires and maneuvers. Additionally, we have started fueling advanced systems like the Electromagnetic Battle Management Tool-Joint, also known as EMBM-J, that allows Joint Force commanders to quickly understand the electromagnetic operating environment, decide the best course of action to gain advantage, and then rapidly execute."

She added, "EMBMJ is just the start. Each service is developing and refining their EMSO planning and execution systems as well. These component and tactical level systems will link to and feed our joint systems, enabling common situational awareness and synchronization of execution. Additionally, we are working with our department and joint partners to not only modernize, but to transform our entire ecosystem of EMS tools, databases and infrastructure to meet our needs today and well into the future."

General Anthony said another EMSSS area where the JEC is making progress is to enable dynamic spectrum sharing between DOD and commercial users. She explained, "In accordance with the President's National Spectrum Strategy, the Department, in cooperation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, is studying ways to dynamically share portions of the spectrum to permit coexistence of incumbent military systems and private sector telecommunications equipment. These dynamic spectrum sharing studies are funding government, academia and industry research that explores a wide range of solutions. They have developed novel approaches that adapt signals to the environment."

She further said, "In concert with these technological advances we have doggedly pursued updates to policy, doctrine and training to ensure that we have the tools that are built and are readily incorporated into everyday operations, and we have an EMSO smart workforce to apply these new tools and doctrine. Regarding policy, we have recently updated our policies to better organize EMS operations within the Joint Force and integrated these efforts with the World Radio Communication Conference processes to ensure global coordination. We also redesigned the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Theater Operations course … and introduced the Joint Electromagnetic Operations Planners course to better prepare our personnel for the complexities of joint EMS operation."

Another area where the JEC has made progress is integrating EMSO into major joint exercises. "Over the past year, we incorporated JEMSO into major exercises within INDOPACOM, EUCOM, SPACECOM, and STRATCOM, as well as training with our partners and allies such as Australia, NATO and Japan," she explained. "Our efforts and assessments have commenced pinpointing critical areas for improvement and development. This ensures that the Joint Force is well prepared to maintain EMS superiority over peer competitors even within a contested, congested and constrained EMS environment."

On a related note, STRATCOM recently signed a memorandum of agreement with combatant commanders and 3-star-level flag officers holding key EMSO positions of responsibility to enable the JEC to assess readiness of Joint operational JEMSO capabilities and identify gaps during major exercises.

General Anthony also discussed developing EMSO professionals. "EMSO training and education has been a core effort of the JEC over the past 12 months," she said, "and we have continued to maintain a close cooperation between the government, military stakeholders, and academic institutions. Specifically, our increased integration with academia has opened up new education pathways for both civilian and military EMSO personnel to ensure that we continue to expand our cadre of EMSO experts and increasing EMSO education is perhaps the most critical driver to future success in spectrum operations." She said the JEC has worked to increase EMSO-centric content in Joint professional military education and, within STRATCOM, has helped to develop plans to offer courses in areas such as physics, project management and electrical engineering, to improve its ability to plan and execute operations to achieve EMS superiority.

General Anthony said the JEC is pursuing several other EMSSS goals in the future, and it will continue to work with US forces and allies to achieve them. Her main message is that the EMSSS IP is moving forward, and the JEC will continue to make progress and improve EMSO in multiple areas.

At the Assembly of Delegates Wednesday, AOC Executive Director Shelley Frost was recognized for her remarkable 20 years of service to the association. Throughout her tenure she has been a pillar of support, guiding her colleagues and AOC’s mission with exceptional professionalism and care.

AOC President Brian “Hinks” Hinkley shared heartfelt words of appreciation: "Her unwavering commitment and passion for our mission has left an indelible mark on the community. She personally and professionally has become our North Star – she provides the guidance we need, and she has formed an incredible staff around her that produces outstanding results."

Reflecting on her two decades of service to the association, Shelley spoke about what makes AOC one of a kind: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this amazing organization. What makes this association so special isn't just what we do – it's who we are. Our members and our chapters are truly the backbone of everything we accomplish. The work you do matters. Whether it's protecting our warfighters, driving innovation or building stronger connections across the community, you're making a real impact every single day. I'm filled with pride of what we've accomplished together and inspired by what lies ahead."

Quotable

"Modern warfighting is heavily dependent on space. A day without space is really a day without 21st century warfighting."
–David Zurn, Division Chief of the Test Engineering Division, GTRI, during the EW Spectrum Operations in Space breakout session Wednesday. 

Review the online schedule of events and symposium agenda to finalize your on-site agenda.
Check out the floorplan and search for an exhibitor and make plans to visit the companies you wish to connect with.

Get out your smartphone and download the conference app from the App Store or Google Play. Follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn and use #AOC2024 to join in the conversation.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Thursday, Dec. 12

This week's symposium is tackling some of the biggest issues in the EMSO community, and we have an excellent line-up of keynote speakers to help set the stage for these conversations. Come early, grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some valuable perspectives from senior military leaders.

Today at 8:00 AM, we'll hear perspectives from Gen Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic - Air, US Strategic Command, and from VADM Craig A. “Clap” Clapperton, Commander, US Fleet Cyber Command / US TENTH Fleet / Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Navy).

Friday at 8:00 AM, Major General Elisabeth G. Michelsen, Norwegian Armed Forces, who is serving as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk, will discuss EMSO from an Alliance perspective.

More details, including descriptions of all symposium spotlight and breakout sessions, program manager briefings and technical briefings are available in the full agenda.

Today's session of the Program Managers Briefing Series focuses on the US Air Force. At 9:45 AM in Potomac C, Ms. Lisa Frugé-Cirilli, Director, Customer Requirements & Advocacy, BAE Systems, will lead a panel comprising senior officials from multiple Air Force Life Cycle Management Center directorates, as well as the commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing and the Director of the Air Forces EMS Superiority Directorate, AF A2/6L.

The Air Force's overarching operational concept is Agile Combat Employment (ACE). Rather than operating from large fixed air bases, ACE calls for rapid deployment (and re-deployment) and dispersed operations from multiple small bases with minimal visual and electromagnetic signatures. The goal is to mitigate a near-peer adversary's surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missile advantage and reduce their ability to strike air bases and degrade US air power.

ACE drives all kinds of EMSO requirements, from emissions control and low-probability of detection communications to counter-UAS and organic air defense. It also demands that deployed personnel are capable of doing multiple jobs in order to reduce the footprint of these dispersed air bases. EW planning, maintenance and other skills are being addressed under the Air Force's Multi-Capable Airmen strategy.

This panel of Air Force leaders will discuss EMSO in the context of ACE and other aspects of Air Force EW requirements.

For more background see:
New 350th SWW Leadership Embrace Its Critical Mission

	Michael Gutierrez

Each year, AOC recognizes five young professionals as the year’s "Future 5" – individuals who actively innovate and strive for excellence as they support their respective organizations and build their EMSO careers. In each issue of the Show Daily, we will spotlight one of this year's Future 5 and their career goal in their own words.

Today, we recognize Michael Gutierrez, Software Engineer, Palantir Technologies, Inc.

I envision my career in the EMS/EW/IO industry to be defined by my role in building at least one successful EW-focused technology company and my contributions to individuals and companies pursuing work in the national security interest. To me, it is important to educate young Americans about the reality of national security and open the doors for the best and brightest talent in America to lend their talents to defense technologies. To foster an environment to encourage solving difficult problems within defense, I aim to evolve my community efforts into higher impact channels that more deeply connect builders with the personnel and channels through which they can best equip the warfighter with their capabilities. As a means to help ensure that the United States captures and maintains spectrum supremacy, I would like to commit the efforts of an EW company to developing software-defined systems that unlock new paradigms for electronic attack, defend, and support. My experiences working with directed energy and sensor data platforms showed how quickly spectrum warfighting is evolving. And through listening to the goals, challenges, and needs of various operators in the electromagnetic domain, I believe there lies great opportunities to more intently leverage software and algorithm innovations to assemble complex systems that are dramatically more capable than the sum of their parts. To that end, I have begun by contributing to the incubation of a startup company focused on new sense platforms for improved spectrum awareness as well as large-scale electronic support software at Palantir.

The 61st Annual AOC International Symposium & Convention is the leading event for electronic warfare, electromagnetic spectrum operations, cyber-electromagnetic activities and information operations professionals worldwide. Make the most of your experience using the tips in this helpful video to help you prepare for your arrival and assist you onsite, ensuring you have the best experience possible.

If this is your first AOC Convention or you just need a refresher, be sure to watch the orientation video.

Need more information about dress code, sessions locations, Wi-Fi access or even where you can find coffee in the morning? Check out the 2024 AOC Convention's FAQ page to find answers.

Official Exhibit Hall hours during the 2024 AOC Convention are as follows:

Today
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for lunch (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) and Happy Hour (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM).

Friday, Dec. 13
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for lunch (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM).

Read the December issue of JED, hot off the presses in time for the 2024 AOC Convention:

Cover Story: Peaking into Quantum Computing
Interview: Rich Sorelle, Spectrum Control
EW 101: Introduction to Emulation

Read the full issue now and read more each week at JEDOnline.com.

The Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) is the official publication of the Association of Old Crows (AOC), an independent, nonprofit, international professional association promoting public understanding in the science and practice of EW, SIGINT and related disciplines. Become an AOC member to get access to the latest issue of JED.

Check out current issues and news from our media partners throughout the week.

JED
Armada
everythingRF
Military Embedded Systems September Resource Guide
Military Embedded Systems October
Seapower
SOSA Special Edition
Microwave Product Digest (MPD)
Microwave Journal