

From the Crows' Nest
Association of Old Crows
Featuring interviews, analysis, and discussions covering leading issues of the day related to electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). Topics include current events and news worldwide, US Congress and the annual defense budget, and military news from the US and allied countries. We also bring you closer to Association of Old Crow events and provide a forum to dive deeper into policy issues impacting our community.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 9, 2023 • 42min
Achieving Spectrum Superiority With the Hudson Institute
The AOC recently co-hosted a panel discussion with the Hudson Institute. Moderated by AOC President Brian Hinkley and Hudson Senior Fellow Timothy Walton, we hear from representatives Rick Larsen from Washington State, Don Bacon from Nebraska, and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania for an inside Congressional perspective on the EMSO space.As chairs of the Congressional Electronic Warfare Working Group, Representatives Larsen, Bacon, and Houlahan offer their combined expertise on a range of topics, including the defense budget, spectrum sharing, and the microelectronic supply chain.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.For more information about the Hudson Institute, visit their website.

Jul 26, 2023 • 41min
An EW/EMSO Summer Round-up
As the Ukraine War continues, we are learning essential lessons for the EW and EMSO communities (hint: some of them are not new)... Host Ken Miller is joined by John Knowles and Colonel Jeff "Fish" Fischer for their insights into the broader impacts of these lessons and how we can (finally?) apply them to the changing global security landscapeーfrom defense budgets to military operations.In this mid-summer update, John Knowles and Jeff Fischer give their perspectives on the war in Ukraine, delivering UAV capabilities, the Congressional Defense budget process, and the recent AOC/Hudson Institute Panel discussion with the Congressional EW Working Group.John Knowles is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance.Jeff Fischer is a retired Air Force Colonel and author.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

Jul 12, 2023 • 40min
The Path Forward in Navy Acquisition Efforts
In this episode, we hear insights from a webinar with VADM Frank "Spanky" Morley about the current state of play in today’s Department of the Navy acquisition efforts. Frank is the Principal Military Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He discusses the challenges of acquisition efforts and how we can move forward in today's changing world order.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

Jun 28, 2023 • 40min
Mastering the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Insights from EW Experts
Colonel Jeff Fisher and John discuss achieving integration in coalition operations, the role of EMSO in multi-domain operations, and the need for consistent and adaptive training in EMSO.

Jun 21, 2023 • 30min
Decoding the Congressional Defense Budget: Politics, Procedures, and Progress
In this episode, join host Ken as he unravels the intricate world of the congressional defense budget process. Joined by Madison Arcangeli, Katy Nazaretova from Forza DC, and Paul Arcangeli, former Staff Director of the House Armed Services Committee, they delve into the blend of procedures and politics that shape the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the Defense Appropriations Act. Explore how Congress manages to get its work done, even amidst a cloudy timeline, and gain valuable insights into what to expect from both chambers in the coming weeks. Additionally, get an exclusive glimpse into the state of electromagnetic spectrum operations across the services in the early version of the NDAA. Tune in as we decode the intricate workings of the congressional defense budget process and shed light on the path to progress. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

May 31, 2023 • 26min
The Integration Imperative: Lessons in Multi-Domain Mastery
The podcast discusses the importance of effective communication and decision-making in multi-domain operations. Topics include network resiliency in NATO's multi-domain integration, all-of-government approach for cybersecurity and vulnerability management, and navigating the challenges of multi-domain operations.

May 10, 2023 • 40min
Unpacking EMSO Priorities in the Defense Budget
Congress is marking up the U.S. defense budget, and the budget's priorities could have implications for how the U.S. strategizes EMS superiority. In this episode, Ken Miller talks with John Knowles, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance, to discuss the current state of the EMSO community and the priorities of the U.S. defense budget moving forward.Ken and John discuss Congress’ thought process on the priorities for the defense budget, the importance of joint training and readiness in EW, and the challenges of coordinating and training with allies in the Asia-Pacific region.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

Apr 26, 2023 • 44min
China’s Quest for Information Dominance
The US-China competitive relationship is very complex, reaching every aspect of society, the economy, and the military. In this episode, Ken Miller talks with Dean Cheng of the U.S. Institute of Peace about China’s doctrine on information dominance and its implications for global power politics.Dean Cheng is the Senior Advisor for the Institute of Peace and Senior Fellow atthe Potomac Institute. Ken and Dean discuss China’s approach to intelligence gathering, their long-term goal and end game, and the greater implications of the China-Taiwan conflict. They also discuss how China is capitalizing on the Russia-Ukraine War and approaching oil production in the Middle East. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

9 snips
Apr 5, 2023 • 46min
Where Does JADC2 Stand Today?
The topic of Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) always brings up many different perspectives and ideas for its execution and implementation. Ken Miller talks with EW Writer and Analyst Dr. Thomas Withington about the latest developments of JADC2 and its implications for modern warfare. Dr. Withington is the newsletter editor for Armada International and shares his analysis of what JADC2 is working to accomplish. Ken and Dr. Withington compare how JADC2 would unfold against a strategic competitor like China versus an acute threat like Russia. They also discuss the need for improved inter-service collaboration, the importance of data standardization and risk-management approach when implementing AI and ML technologies, and JADC2’s ability to improve decision-making on the battlefield.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

Mar 22, 2023 • 42min
Navigating Our Dependency on GPS
The U.S. relies highly on GPS, navigation timing systems, and satellites. And recently, GPS was labeled as a single point of failure for America by the Director of Resilience on the National Security Council. To discuss the impacts of this, Ken Miller talks with Dana Goward about the significance of GPS today and the potential risks posed by interference and spoofing.As President of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation and a member of the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board, Dana provides invaluable insight into the world of GPS technology and its vulnerabilities. Ken and Dana also discuss how GPS jamming is unfolding in global conflicts and how the U.S. can better protect critical infrastructure from attacks on GPS signals.To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.


