From the Crows' Nest

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by returning guest Dustan Hellwig, founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Chesapeake Technology International, to discuss what we know and need to know about the increased sightings of drones in NJ and along the East Coast of the U.S.  Ken and Dustan try to dispel conspiracies but recognize that what is happening points to a trend in both the commercial and military use of drones that will continue to evolve rapidly and this trend exposes cracks in our policies and procedures to address concerns in a timely manner. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In part two of this special series, From the Crows’ Nest host Ken Miller brings back researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts from George Mason University Costello School of Business and its Baroni Center for Government Contracting to discuss the findings from six case studies they’ve conducted and what they ultimately recommend to reform the DOD’s PPBE Process.The pair found that their case studies ultimately confirmed commonly held criticisms of the process: that there were delays when funding rapid development and deployment of new capabilities was needed. They ultimately issued nine different recommendations to reform the process including reducing program elements to make a more streamlined and consolidated budget, as well as amending the continuing resolution prohibition on new starts to allow program offices dealing with new requirements or new technological developments to adapt to them without having to wait until January or February of the following year. While the pair say the future of DOD PPBE reform is uncertain, they say that the final report has executive-level support — a note of optimism that some of these recommendations may be implemented.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of From the Crows’ Nest is coming to you from AOC 2024. On Day 3 of the show, host Ken Miller is joined by Major General Elisabeth Michelsen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Joint Force Command Norfolk. They focus their discussion on lessons learned from the War in Ukraine and the strategic importance of the high North and Arctic territories. They also talk about strengthening training, technology development, especially in sensor and signals intelligence, and collaboration in the electromagnetic operating environment. Ken is then later joined by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) for his closing thoughts on AOC 2024. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of From the Crows’ Nest is coming to you from AOC 2024. On Day 2 of the show, host Ken Miller is joined by General Thomas Bussiere, Commander Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic – Air, U.S. Strategic Command. Later, Ken sits with Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton, Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. Tenth Fleet / Joint Force Headquarters - Cyber (Navy). They discuss this week’s theme of Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) in the context of Great Power Competition. They also share collaborative efforts under their leadership across the joint force and with allied/partner forces in the realm of EMSO. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

This episode of FTCN is coming to you from AOC 2024. We will be releasing new episodes each day as we discuss Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations - the Great Power Competition, the theme of this year’s show. Host Ken Miller sits down with opening keynote speaker Major General AnnMarie Anthony, Director of Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations within US STRATCOM. Ken and General Anthony set what EMSO means for today’s fight and the need to pursue education, training, and assessment of our ability to maneuver in the EMS. Ken also sits down with John Knowles, Editor in Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), for his take on what we need to learn and discuss here at AOC 2024.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In a deep dive into the Department of Defense's budgeting process, researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts unpack the intricacies of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process. Kojac highlights how this decades-old system is heavily influenced by Congress, which complicates decision-making. Letts stresses that understanding PPBE is critical for stakeholders across the defense industrial base, yet few grasp its complexity. Together, they advocate for essential reforms to enhance adaptability in defense budgeting to meet modern challenges.

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, 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. 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 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.

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, 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.  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 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.