From the Crows' Nest

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 exclusive episode of "From the Crows' Nest," available only to AOC members and subscribers, 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. These special episodes are released twice a month. To access them and participate in live recordings as part of the virtual audience, become an AOC member at www.crows.org or subscribe for $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org. 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 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.

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.These exclusive episodes are released twice a month, keeping you informed on the latest developments in electromagnetic spectrum warfare. To access them and participate in live recordings as a member of the virtual audience, join AOC at www.crows.org or subscribe for just $2.99/month at www.ftcnpodcast.org.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 exclusive episode for AOC members and subscribers, 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 exclusive episode of From the Crows’ Nest, available only to AOC members and subscribers, 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 exclusive AOC member/subscriber-only 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 exclusive AOC member/subscriber-only 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.

In this AOC member/subscriber-only episode of From the Crows’ Nest coming to you from AOC Europe 2024 in Oslo, Norway, host Ken Miller is joined by three special guests: Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bamford, Branch Chief of EW, Norwegian Armed Forces; Journalist and author, Dr. Tom Withington; and Duncan McCrory from the Department of War Studies at King’s College, UK. Together they discuss alliances and collaboration in supporting multi-domain electromagnetic warfare operations. These AOC member/subscribers-only episodes of FTCN will be released twice a month. Members and subscribers will also be able to participate in the live recording of the episodes. These episodes will be available for a limited time to everyone who already enjoys our podcast. Become a member today so you won’t miss one of these essential episodes at crows.org. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or comments at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.