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From the Crows' Nest

Association of Old Crows crows.org
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.
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Episodes

The Latest on the Congressional Defense Budget

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Madison Arcangeli and Katy Nazaretova from Forza DC to discuss the current state of Capitol Hill and the annual appropriations process. They cover a range of topics including keeping the government funded through FY 2025, the progress of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and the latest on the annual Defense appropriations Act. To learn more about Forza DC, please visit here ....

Jul 23, 20256 min

Spectrum Operations in Action: Insights from Israel, Iran, and Russo-Ukrainian War

In this episode, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to discuss the defense budget, as well as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the latest on military actions in Iran. They draw comparisons between the actions taken in Iran and Ukraine's strategic actions taken against Russia, highlighting the importance of electromagnetic spectrum dominance and air superiority in multiple theaters. You can reach the ho...

Jul 09, 20256 min

A Jammer Decades in the Making: NGJ-MB Enters the Fight

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest , host Ken Miller takes us inside the cutting edge of airborne electronic attack with a deep dive into the U.S. Navy’s latest game-changer: the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB). Joining Ken is Chuck Angus, Business Development Director at Raytheon, who shares how this powerful new system is redefining the electromagnetic battlespace. Built with advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the NGJ-MB delivers unprecedented power density and direct arr...

Jul 02, 202540 min

‘This is Where I Should Be’: Inside the Front Lines of EW in the Russo-Ukrainian War

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest , host Ken Miller gets insight into the front lines of the war in Ukraine with today’s guest, Jack de Santis. The Croatian-born drone pilot with the Ukrainian military, is also an engineer and businessman, and is the founder of Omira AI — a company that specializes in counter-EW communications technology. Ken and Jack are also joined by FTCN regular guest, retired USAF Colonel, author and journalist, Jeffrey Fischer. Jack tells Ken that his approach to ele...

Jun 18, 202553 min

Wrestling on the Edge of a Cliff

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to discuss the ongoing congressional defense budget and reconciliation processes on Capitol Hill. They also discuss the latest developments in Spectrum auction and the need to invest in dynamic spectrum sharing technology and processes. Ken and John also discuss the recent eye-opening Ukrainian drone offensive against Russia, ...

Jun 11, 20255 min

Unpacking the Army’s Investment in EW

The Association of Old Crows (AOC) wants to make our podcast the best it can be. To help us succeed, we'd like to hear your thoughts. Please take just a few minutes to complete our 2025 listener survey because your opinion is very important to us. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest , host Ken Miller is joined by a panel of two Army colonels to unpack how the Army has made strategic investments into growing its EW capabilities. Col. John Hosey, Chief of Cyber and Commandant of Army Cyber Sch...

Jun 04, 202549 min

Listener Q&A – What do we hope EMSO will look like in 2030

In this episode, host Ken Miller fields audience questions while visiting EMSO stakeholders in Las Vegas, NV. Ken discusses his views on the implementation of the 2020 EMSO Strategy, the defense budget, training and manpower, spectrum management, and the need for an all-of-government approach to EMSO readiness. You can reach the host directly to share your thoughts or questions you want FTCN to cover in future episodes at host@fromthecrowsnest.org ....

May 29, 20256 min

Training for Tomorrow: How to Improve EW Education

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes Luke Cabot, an Electromagnetic Warfare Training and Technology Instructor at Inzpire’s Technical and Strategic Services Division in the UK. Luke shares how Inzpire’s greatest strength lies in making the complex simple—translating advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) concepts into language anyone can understand. He discusses the challenges of training across multinational coalitions and highlights the power of mathematics as a uni...

May 21, 202550 min

Ciao from Rome! AOC Europe 2025 Special Edition

In this special episode of From the Crows’ Nest , we’re coming to you from the heart of Rome, Italy, where AOC Europe 2025 is in full swing! Host Ken Miller sits down with three familiar voices to capture the pulse of the show floor and dive into the evolving landscape of Electromagnetic Operations (EMO). This year’s theme, “EMO in Transition – Learning from the Russo-Ukrainian War,” sparks timely conversations and fresh perspectives from the field. Ken is joined by Erik Bamford, Branch Chief EW...

May 08, 202537 min

Deciphering EW Trends in the Defense Budget

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) . They discuss service EW budgets and the technology trends that may influence the Fiscal Year 2026 defense budget that is expected to be released by mid-May. Specifically, they discuss key investments, including the Navy’s Next Generation Jammer, SEWIP ship defense, Army rotary-wing aircraft self-protection, and the success of the US ...

Apr 30, 20256 min

AI, Metasurfaces, and the Next Wave of EW

In this episode of "From the Crows’ Nest," host Ken Miller welcomes Dr. Raphael Licursi, antenna and radar researcher, electronic warfare consultant, AOC Europe Pre-event Workshop presenter and author of Meta Surface Driven Electronic Warfare (Wiley & IEEE Press). Dr. Licursi shares insights into his groundbreaking research on metasurfaces, explaining how this emerging technology is revolutionizing electronic warfare. The discussion explores the application of metasurfaces in defense systems...

Apr 23, 202529 min

Understanding Europe’s new EW Coalition

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes journalist and expert, Dr. Thomas Withington . They cover a range of topics, including a new EW coalition forming in Europe to respond to EMS challenges stemming from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Ken and Tom also talk messaging leading up to AOC Europe in Rome, May 6-8. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are now available. To listen and learn more about th...

Apr 16, 20256 min

Women in Warfare: Legacy and Lessons from the Memorial

In this episode of "From the Crows' Nest," host Ken Miller is joined by Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women's Memorial. They explore Phyllis's remarkable 37-year military career, delve into the history and significance of the Military Women's Memorial, and discuss the often-overlooked contributions of women in military history. Phyllis shares insights on the importance of preserving and telling these stories for future generations, underscoring the vital role women have played in def...

Apr 10, 202542 min

Listener Q&A on Current Events in EW

In this very special—and slightly chaotic—April Fools’ Day edition of From the Crows’ Nest , host Ken Miller discovers just how hard it is to book a guest when everyone thinks it’s a prank. With no high-level military officials or defense tech experts willing to risk being punk’d, Ken turns to a trusted voice close to home: Voxtopica producer Laura Krebs joins him in the studio to answer listener emails and take a few surprisingly tough questions from our very real (and definitely not hired-acto...

Apr 02, 202542 min

Celebrating the Next Generation of EW Leaders

Each year, the AOC Educational Foundation honors five exceptional young professionals through its Future 5 program, recognizing individuals who represent the future of the EW field through innovation, leadership, and impact. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest , host Ken Miller speaks with four of the 2024 Future 5 award recipients: Imani Davis, Matthew Copeland, Paul Kennedy, and Michael Gutierrez. These emerging leaders are tackling key challenges in EW, from integrating cyber tools into e...

Mar 26, 202540 min

Collaboration and Dedication as Keys to Advancing the Mission

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes long-time colleague, EMSO advocate, and former AOC president, Lisa Frugé-Cirilli. Lisa is the US Department of Defense (DoD) Customer Requirements and Advocacy at BAE Systems, Inc. Ken and Lisa discuss how the critical role that sustainment and life cycle management plays in advancing EMSO, and how Robins Air Force Base in Middle Georgia is having a significant impact on Georgia’s economy and is a leading center of gravity, not ju...

Mar 19, 202558 min

New Effort Aims to Uplift, Empower Women in EW

In honor of Women’s History Month, host Ken Miller and guest co-host Hollann Schwartz are joined in this episode of From the Crows’ Nest by E&M Operations Manager and AOC member Christelle Ward. Christelle’s new initiative, Empowering Women in Electronic Warfare, aims to build a group of EW women that support, uplift and empower women entering this male-dominated industry. Christelle has played many roles in armed service: a service member for the Navy, an instructor or contractor for the Ar...

Mar 12, 202536 min

Pushing Past Fear for Effective Leadership

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes friend and subject matter expert, Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is retired US Army Colonel, small business woman, EW subject matter expert. She also was the first chief of the US Army EW Division and is a small businesswoman. Ken and Laurie discuss the challenging global security environment and the need to cultivate leadership and invest in and field advanced non-kinetic capabiliites, including Electromagnetic Warfare and Cyber. Laurie...

Mar 05, 202551 min

How is AI Changing EW?

Artificial intelligence burst into mainstream awareness less than three years ago with tools like ChatGPT and image generators such as Google Gemini. However, AI — particularly machine learning — has been shaping electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) for decades. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the cutting edge of AI in next-generation EMSO systems with Rob Hyland, Principal Scientist and Director of Program Transition at Charles River Analytics. Rob disc...

Feb 26, 202545 min

Revisiting EMSO Strategy Implementation and Other Stuff

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller welcomes back John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). Ken and John revisit EMSO reforms from recent defense budgets and discuss the level of progress (or in the case of EMSO, lack of progress). They also look to the FY 2026 defense budget that is on the horizon to discuss challenges and opportunities for funding EMSO priorities considering pressures to cut defense spending and bring efficiencies to t...

Feb 19, 20255 min

How to Foster Private Sector Innovation In EMSO

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller sits down with Bryan Clark, senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute. Bryan is the author of the newly released report, Winning the Fight for Sensing and Sensemaking: Fielding Cyber and Electronic Warfare Capabilities at Scale . The report tackles a critical challenge for the American defense industry: How can the DOD strengthen its supply chain and drive private-sector innovation...

Feb 12, 202551 min

Norway leading the way on Spectrum Policy

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Erik Bamford to discuss International EW headlines. Erik is Branch Chief for Electromagnetic Warfare with the Norwegian Armed Forces and a member of the AOC Board of Directors. Ken and Erik discuss a new Spectrum law that took effect in Norway that is a beacon for improving coalition EW training. They also discuss the evolution of joint EW training and coordination in NATO and some leading discussion topics that will be covere...

Feb 05, 20256 min

An Honest Conversation About EMSO and the Great Power competition

In this episode of From the Crow's Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by a panel of special guests today: Scott “Sherm” Oliver, former chief of staff of the EMSO cross-functional team; Paul Arcangeli, senior advisor at the public relations firm Invariant and a former professional staff and staff director of the House Armed Services Committee in the U. S. Congress; and Jeffrey Fischer, author, journalist and new board member to the Association of Old Crows. The panel discussion was recorded in front...

Jan 29, 202547 min

Insights on the incoming Trump Administration and the outlook for the Ukraine-Russia War

In this episode, host Ken Miller is joined by friend and colleague Col. Jeffrey Fischer, USAF (Ret.) to discuss the inauguration of President Donald Trump, what to expect from his new Cabinet, especially as it pertains to the future of NATO and the outlook for the Ukraine-Russia War. They also discuss the worsening challenge of EMS battle management and the role of EW in counter-counter-drone capabilities. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 ...

Jan 22, 20253 min

EMSO in 2025 - Answering your questions about Trump, Congress and the future of EW

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller answers audience questions and listener mail. Ken discusses everything from President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, to the legislative uncertainty of the new Congress, the need for greater awareness of Space EW, and what lessons should we be learning from the War in Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific region. Also, don’t miss Season 1 of our new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) podcast powered by L3 Harris. All six episodes are no...

Jan 15, 20255 min

Rolling Out Advanced EW Systems for the Navy

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller dives into the world of cutting-edge electronic warfare (EW) with Captain David Rueter, Program Manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems at the U.S. Navy’s PMA-234. From game-changing advancements to the challenges that keep him awake at night, Capt. Rueter offers an insider’s look into the Navy’s most critical EW initiatives. Capt. Rueter walks Ken through key programs shaping the future of airborne electronic attack, including the ...

Jan 08, 202537 min

Deciphering the Drone Conspiracy

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 ...

Dec 20, 202430 min

Long Overdue: The Case for Reforming DOD’s PPBE Process, Part II

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...

Dec 18, 202436 min

Inside AOC 2024, Day 3

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...

Dec 13, 202432 min

Inside AOC 2024, Day 2

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 G...

Dec 12, 202431 min
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