From the Crows' Nest

In this episode of "From the Crows’ Nest," host Ken Miller welcomes Dr. Raphael Licursi, antenna and radar researcher, electronic warfare consultant, AOC Europe Pre-event Workshop presenter and author of Meta Surface Driven Electronic Warfare (Wiley & IEEE Press). Dr. Licursi shares insights into his groundbreaking research on metasurfaces, explaining how this emerging technology is revolutionizing electronic warfare. The discussion explores the application of metasurfaces in defense systems, the integration of artificial intelligence, the impact on development cycles and supply chains, and the evolving demands of modern, distributed EMSO environments.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.We also invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Europe is uniting to tackle electronic warfare challenges sparked by the Russo-Ukrainian War. Journalist Dr. Thomas Withington reveals critical lessons learned and the necessity for collaboration among nations, particularly Germany's new initiative. There's a blend of optimism about the forming coalition and caution against repeating past mistakes in tactics. The conversation also teases upcoming events in Rome, emphasizing the importance of strategy in this fast-evolving landscape. Don't miss insights into the future of European defense collaboration!

In this episode of "From the Crows' Nest," host Ken Miller is joined by Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women's Memorial. They explore Phyllis's remarkable 37-year military career, delve into the history and significance of the Military Women's Memorial, and discuss the often-overlooked contributions of women in military history. Phyllis shares insights on the importance of preserving and telling these stories for future generations, underscoring the vital role women have played in defense and support operations throughout U.S. history.Don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.Join us today. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this very special—and slightly chaotic—April Fools’ Day edition of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller discovers just how hard it is to book a guest when everyone thinks it’s a prank. With no high-level military officials or defense tech experts willing to risk being punk’d, Ken turns to a trusted voice close to home: Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs joins him in the studio to answer listener emails and take a few surprisingly tough questions from our very real (and definitely not hired-actors) studio audience.Ken also offers his thoughts on some serious topics—including the growing role of AI and Cognitive EW, much-needed defense budget reform, the latest EMSO manual from the Joint Staff, and today’s complex global security environment.Oh, and there may be a surprise announcement about the Pentagon's new "Invisible Aircraft Program"... but we'll let you decide if that one's real.Don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Each year, the AOC Educational Foundation honors five exceptional young professionals through its Future 5 program, recognizing individuals who represent the future of the EW field through innovation, leadership, and impact. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller speaks with four of the 2024 Future 5 award recipients: Imani Davis, Matthew Copeland, Paul Kennedy, and Michael Gutierrez.These emerging leaders are tackling key challenges in EW, from integrating cyber tools into engineering education to strengthening collaboration between R&D teams and those deploying new technologies. Despite their diverse roles, the panelists share a common emphasis on the importance of mentorship and community in shaping successful careers in electronic warfare.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 welcomes long-time colleague, EMSO advocate, and former AOC president, Lisa Frugé-Cirilli. Lisa is the US Department of Defense (DoD) Customer Requirements and Advocacy at BAE Systems, Inc.  Ken and Lisa discuss how the critical role that sustainment and life cycle management plays in advancing EMSO, and how Robins Air Force Base in Middle Georgia is having a significant impact on Georgia’s economy and is a leading center of gravity, not just for the US Air Force, but also the joint forces. Lisa shares the importance of collaboration in successful mission execution. In honor of Women’s History Month, Lisa also discusses the importance of work ethic and mentorship in professional development.Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In honor of Women’s History Month, host Ken Miller and guest co-host Hollann Schwartz are joined in this episode of From the Crows’ Nest by E&M Operations Manager and AOC member Christelle Ward. Christelle’s new initiative, Empowering Women in Electronic Warfare, aims to build a group of EW women that support, uplift and empower women entering this male-dominated industry.Christelle has played many roles in armed service: a service member for the Navy, an instructor or contractor for the Army and a spouse of a member of the Marine Corps. Within the EW world, Christelle says she wants her new initiative to serve as a way for women to connect, share experiences in both the academia and industry side of the field.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 welcomes friend and subject matter expert, Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is retired US Army Colonel, small business woman, EW subject matter expert.  She also was the first chief of the US Army EW Division and is a small businesswoman. Ken and Laurie discuss the challenging global security environment and the need to cultivate leadership and invest in and field advanced non-kinetic capabiliites, including Electromagnetic Warfare and Cyber.  Laurie was a congressional candidate from North Carolina in the November 2024 US general election. Laurie and Ken share their thoughts on the early months of the Trump administration. They also discuss the contributions of women in EW and the importance of providing mentorship and guidance early in a military career.  Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here.You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Artificial intelligence burst into mainstream awareness less than three years ago with tools like ChatGPT and image generators such as Google Gemini. However, AI — particularly machine learning — has been shaping electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) for decades.In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the cutting edge of AI in next-generation EMSO systems with Rob Hyland, Principal Scientist and Director of Program Transition at Charles River Analytics.Rob discusses how “hybrid” AI is revolutionizing EMSO, enabling systems to learn entire segments of the electromagnetic spectrum, accelerate upgrades, and enhance adaptability. He also highlights the challenges of applying AI to modern threats, stressing the urgent need for specialized talent to model, train, and integrate AI within the defense sector.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 welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Ken and John revisit EMSO reforms from recent defense budgets and discuss the level of progress (or in the case of EMSO, lack of progress). They also look to the FY 2026 defense budget that is on the horizon to discuss challenges and opportunities for funding EMSO priorities considering pressures to cut defense spending and bring efficiencies to the Department of Defense. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about the CTO Series, visit here. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.