From the Crows' Nest

In this episode, Ken Miller, AOC’s Director of Advocacy and Outreach, sits down with Madison Strader Arcangeli, Managing Partner, and Katy Nazaretova, Director of National Security and Technology Policy at Forza DC, for an insider's preview of the 2024 U.S. general election. They dive into the key dynamics shaping the presidential, House, and Senate races, shedding light on polling challenges, spotlight races, and the importance of every vote. Tune in for expert insights and a look at the impact these races could have on the future of national security and policy.We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts or questions directly with the host at host@fromthecrowsnest.org. Stay engaged and be part of the conversation shaping the future of EW.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Anthony Lisuzzo, AOC’s President-Elect and a dynamic force in the world of electromagnetic warfare. Tony brings a wealth of experience, having served as a Senior Executive Service (SES) leader within the Department of Defense and U.S. Army, and now steering the ship as President and CEO of Ironwave Technologies, a cutting-edge component manufacturing company. Ken and Tony discuss the changing landscape of EW over the last 20 years, from Tony’s time as an SES and until now through his lens of industry leader. They also discuss Tony’s vision for the AOC during his time in office which begins in December at AOC 2024 (December 11-13, National Habor, MD) and what issues should garner greater attention in the AOC. 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 of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). They delve into crucial questions posed by our virtual audience and listeners, tackling topics like the challenges of procurement deficits, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and the global lessons emerging from the War in Ukraine. The discussion also addresses a critical concern with Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF). John provides expert insights into this pressing issue and previews upcoming feature articles in JED that explore these themes in depth.To hear this episode in its entirety, click here.

In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by CX2 co-founders Nathan Mintz and Porter Smith to discuss the changing role of electronic warfare in international conflicts.The conversation focuses on the role of EW in conflicts in the Middle East, as well as with the Russo-Ukrainian War. The founders discuss the implications of developing autonomous systems and the increased complexity of modern conflicts driven by a network of inexpensive, expendable assets such as kamikaze drones. Nathan and Porter alsoexplore the challenges and prospects of maintaining spectrum dominance, the integration of commercial development practices into defense technologies, and the necessity for agile, responsive innovation in military procurement and system development. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

How does artificial intelligence and machine learning affect electronic warfare system effectiveness? How are EW capabilities changing with adversarial powers like China or with non-state actors in the Middle East? In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller answers these questions and more as he delves into some of the most common listener questions the show has received on everything EW.Ken also explores the role Congress plays in shaping the development and deployment of electronic warfare technologies, as well as the emerging technology that’s likely to shape the future of EW in global conflicts years or decades into the future.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

In this engaging episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Erik Bamford, Branch Chief EW, Norwegian Armed Forces, and Member, AOC Board of Directors for International Region One., for an insightful conversation.Bamford delves into the growing friction surrounding standards—highlighting the tension between NATO’s push for uniformity and the private sector's competitive drive for proprietary innovation. This clash, he explains, has far-reaching implications, even in high-stakes conflicts like the war in Ukraine. According to Bamford, the challenge of achieving full alignment is a major concern, one that’s "keeping political leadership awake at night."The discussion also touches on NATO’s evolving role in electronic warfare (EW) during the conflict in Ukraine, as well as critical projects underway within NATO's EW subgroups. Among the highlights: the shift away from the aging AWACS platform and the strategic alignment of NATO’s Air Force Armament Group (NAFAG) annual meeting with AOC’s International Symposium in December.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 Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by returning guest Dustan Hellwig to tackle a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of electronic warfare: how the community—AOC members and stakeholders—discuss EMSO needs and effects within a unified mathematical context to consolidate the various and potentially conflicting uses of the spectrum.Ken and Dustan explore the importance of aligning terminology with a commander’s intent, with Dustan highlighting the role of machine learning technologies in translating this intent into mission-essential tasks, thereby enhancing understanding at every level of operation. But Dustan doesn’t just stick to theory; he also shares practical advice on how the different stakeholders in the EMSO space can find common ground—at least in terms of terminology—to make communication within the community more seamless.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 Crow’s Nest," host Ken Miller sits down with Brian Clark, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Together, they delve into the heart of the Pentagon’s latest debates and innovative reforms. Clark unveils his compelling "Iron Triangle" proposal—a strategic framework highlighting relevant capability, operational concepts, and scalable impact—as a beacon to guide the Department of Defense through a labyrinth of challenges. This episode doesn't shy away from the gritty reality of transforming isolated case studies into sweeping institutional change. Clark also shares insights from a riveting conversation on how groundbreaking technologies are reshaping defense strategies, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

It’s summer! In this episode, we reach back into our archives to re-air a conversation between host, Ken Miller, and his guest, Dean Cheng, on “China’s Quest for Information Dominance,” which originally aired on April 26, 2023. Dean is a senior advisor to the China program at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He has written extensively on China’s military doctrine, the technological implications of its space program and “dual use” issues associated with China’s industrial and scientific infrastructure. FTCN will return with new episodes in August. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage or to subscribe, visit here. You can also email Ken at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Together, they explore a wide array of topics, such as the crucial lessons emerging from Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region. They also delve into defense industry trends observed at IMS Microwave Week in June and discuss significant electronic warfare provisions included in the House-passed FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.