From the Crows' Nest

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.

On this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller speaks with 17-year-old high school senior Jonathan Dorminy about his nationally-acclaimed project studying a frequency range between microwave and infrared, known as “the terahertz gap.”This gap is a range of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been barely utilized compared to the rest of the spectrum. Using this frequency band can be difficult because of limitations on how fast transistors can switch for generating signals. Jonathan’s project used a black-box radiator (an object to generate signals of a specific intensity and frequency by being heated to a specific temperature) to run an experiment and achieve a reading 60 times faster than what anyone else has managed to produce. Ken says this project shows the terahertz gap as an intriguing frontier for both commercial and defense industries.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 is joined by Madison Arcangeli and Katy Nazaretova from Forza DC, a women-owned federal strategies and consulting firm in Washington, DC, to discuss the latest developments of the annual defense budget process on Capitol Hill. Specifically, they discuss the status of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the outlook for defense appropriations bills, and the crucial role the upcoming election in November may play in shaping the balance of power in the House and Senate.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with USN Commander (Ret) R. Scott “Sherm” Oliver to discuss how the Department of Defense (DoD) culture and understanding of electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) has evolved over the past decade, especially since the release of the 2020 DOD EMS Superiority Strategy. They specifically discuss how DOD views the EMS as a maneuver space, the ongoing challenge of organizational change now that DOD has the right strategy and doctrine in place, and the outlook of the strategy implementation plan. Sherm Oliver is an Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) Subject Matter Expert (SME) and retired U.S. Navy Commander with over 23 years of experience in electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). His time in the Navy culminated as founder and then Chief of Staff of the Congressionally mandated Secretary of Defense EMSO Cross-Functional Team. During this assignment, he served as a principal advisor to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on EMSO matters and led efforts to develop a new EMSO strategy for the Department of Defense (DoD).Ken also answers some listener mail. Listeners can email him at host@fromthecrowsnest.org to leave their questions, comments, or recommendations for the show. 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 his esteemed friend and colleague, Col. Jeff Fischer, USAF (Ret.). The episode delves into recent developments in the War in Ukraine, particularly the strategic implications of F-16s arriving in Ukraine and their potential impact on air superiority in the conflict.Additionally, Jeff introduces his inspiring new charitable organization, Shelter to Service, which transforms shelter dogs into service animals to support veterans and their families battling PTSD. Jeff shares personal insights into his journey with PTSD, which he poignantly explores in his military fiction novels.Tune in to discover how Shelter to Service is making a difference and learn how you can contribute to this noble cause. For more information about Shelter to Service and to support their mission, click here. Visit Jeff’s website here for more information on his books.

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller shares the highlights of several interviews he conducted last month during AOC Europe 2024 from Olso, Norway. He is also joined by AOC Senior Analyst Matt Thompson, who attended the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) Annual S&T Conference in Colorado Springs. Ken and Matt discuss some of the funding and development challenges facing the Directed Energy (DE) programs and how the EMSO community can help operationalize DE against emerging threats, especially in the Space domain. AOC Europe interviews include conversations with Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bamford, Branch Chief EW with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and member of the AOC Board of Directors; Colonel Josh Koslov, US Air Force, Commander of the 350 Spectrum Warfare Wing; Commander Gunnar Marcusson, Head of the EW Branch with the Swedish Armed Forces; Air Commodore Blythe Crawford from the Air & Space Warfare Center with the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, and Dr. Karen Haigh, a renowned expert on Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Systems.  To hear the full interviews along with booth spotlights from several exhibitors, visit and follow the AOC LinkedIn page.

In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller talks to Chesapeake Technology International (CTI) Founder and CSO Dustin Hellwig. Dustin has over thirty years of experience in electronic warfare (EW), spectrum management, and CEMA environments. He specializes in the development of distributed, collaborative, and autonomous EW systems. He has significantly advanced EW models, simulations, and mission planning for various military platforms and operations.During their conversation, Ken and Dustin delve into the potential benefits – and drawbacks – of recent advancements with these EW systems. Dustin's unique perspective highlights how these systems can enhance operational capabilities and extend the "reach" of special operations with autonomous or semi-autonomous participants. However, he also acknowledges the diverse opinions on how to operate and manage this space. The duo also addresses the challenges of the military sector in appreciating and keeping up with commercial innovation, providing valuable insights.Visit crows.org to learn more about today's topics or stay updated on EMSO and EW developments.