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.

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September 30 · 32 min
EMSO Lessons from Iran: What Comes Next
Recent operations involving Iran have handed the US direct lessons in electromagnetic warfare, and the open question is whether the Pentagon will act on them. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with John Knowles, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to break down what Operation Epic Fury means for EMSO. Together, they discuss directed energy moving into production, why buying more interceptors is easier than changing organizations, and AOC's push for an EMSO combat support agency. John also argues for a dedicated DOD Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for spectrum and explains why Golden Dome and counter-UAS make shared spectrum an operational problem at home. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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September 23 · 43 min
Why EMSO and IO Can’t Stay in Separate Lanes
An operation planned around the electromagnetic spectrum as an afterthought works right up until the enemy adapts to it. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with retired Colonel Dr. William "Dollar" Young, AOC Board Member Scott “Sherm” Oliver, and Booz Allen Director of Defense Technology Group Jarod Patton to break down what came out of INFOPAC 2026. Together, they discuss why false certainty is dangerous in AI-enabled systems and how double-loop learning helps commanders test their own assumptions before committing to a theory of victory. The conversation also gets into what lessons from Ukraine mean for rapid reprogramming and scalable EW systems. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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September 2 · 45 min
AOC Asia 2026: Closing the Gaps in Indo-Pacific EW Readiness
Without a NATO-style alliance to lean on, electromagnetic warfare readiness in the Indo-Pacific depends on regional cooperation that the industry is still building from scratch. For today's conversation, Ken Miller closes out coverage from AOC Asia 2026 in Adelaide, Australia, with three separate conversations: Jang Pyo Kim, AOC Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Chief Principal Researcher at the Agency for Defense Development, on why the region needs its own recurring forum, Hope Sneddon, an embedded software engineer at DesignWorks, on what electromagnetic warfare can borrow from game development, and David de Haaij, Chief Technology Officer at Black Art Technologies, on RF and antenna design in a congested threat environment. Together, they discuss coalition interoperability and software-defined platforms, plus the industrial base needed to keep pace with a faster, more contested spectrum. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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August 19 · 35 min
AOC Asia 2026: The Fight for Spectrum Control in the Indo-Pacific
Spectrum control now sits at the center of Indo-Pacific defense planning, and AI is changing both how allies coordinate and how China pursues electromagnetic advantage. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with Dr. Nathan Johnson, president of the AOC Australia-New Zealand chapter, and Dr. Chen Yi Tu (Crystal), a research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, to break down what AOC Asia 2026 revealed about the region's security outlook. Together, they discuss why AOC Asia was paired with Australia's ADSTAR event, how coalition warfare demands shared frameworks across the Indo-Pacific, and how China is advancing EMSO through military-civil fusion, AI-assisted monitoring, and influence in international regulatory bodies. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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August 5 · 46 min
Thor's Hammer 2026: What Allies Learn From Each Other
Four countries, one test range, and a shared problem: How do you stop a drone or a remote-detonated bomb before it does damage? Ken Miller is back with more on NATO's Thor's Hammer 2026 exercise, this time talking with military and industry experts from Norway, Australia, Germany, and the US. They discuss how RF signal suppression holds up in terrain that doesn't cooperate, why comparing notes matters as much as the equipment itself, and why having someone outside your own country check your results tends to catch things you'd miss on your own. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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July 8 · 43 min
Thor's Hammer 2026: How NATO Tests for the Next Drone War
Electromagnetic warfare exercises give NATO a way to test new technology against real threats before those threats show up on a battlefield. For today's conversation, Ken Miller sits down with military and industry experts from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands to break down NATO's Thor's Hammer 2026 exercise. The exercise tests systems built to detect and disable drones, and to find and neutralize remote-detonated bombs. With his guests, Ken discusses how the exercise runs these tests, what role lab-based simulations and simulated jamming environments play in speeding up development, and how NATO's smaller member nations work alongside larger ones to build systems that hold up under real interference. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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June 24 · 35 min
The Congressional Path to EMSO Capability
The defense budget process plays a critical role in shaping military priorities, technology investments, and the future of electromagnetic warfare. For today’s conversation, Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to break down how authorization and appropriations legislation moves through Congress. Together, they discuss the policymaking process, advocacy strategies on Capitol Hill, and how election-year dynamics can influence congressional decisions affecting electromagnetic spectrum operations. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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June 10 · 34 min
Collaboration as a Competitive Edge
Joint ventures and teaming arrangements can be your fastest path to a defense contract win – or your most expensive lesson. Knowing which to use and how makes all the difference. Ken Miller sits down with government contract advisor Jenna Girompini to break down the legal and strategic distinctions between the two. Together, they explore how top contractors build alliances and examine how rising defense budgets and an increasingly global market are reshaping the rules of collaboration. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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May 28 · 46 min
Smart Kill: Rewriting the Rules of Electromagnetic Warfare
Winning in the electromagnetic spectrum requires two things: the right strategy and the technology to back it up. This episode tackles both. Ken Miller is joined by Dr. Thomas Withington of Armada International and Alasdair Gilchrist of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to examine what achieving spectrum superiority actually demands today, why European defense strategies are under pressure, and what the concept of “smart kill” reveals about where modern electromagnetic warfare is heading. Then, Ken sits down with Gabby Bailado of Keysight Technologies to explore how scalable testing platforms are reshaping EW development and why the line between commercial and military technology is blurring faster than most people realize. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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May 13 · 44 min
Is NATO Falling Behind in the Spectrum Fight?
Electromagnetic spectrum dominance used to be a tactical edge; now it’s a strategic requirement, especially in Europe. But is NATO keeping up? In this episode, Ken Miller is joined by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), to break down the state of EMSO across Europe and the alliance. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, Canada, and the UK, they explain why speed, integration, and early development are no longer optional, they’re essential. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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April 29 · 30 min
What Does it Mean to be a Crow? (Part 2)
In the second installment of our series, host Ken Miller builds on our previous episode’s exploration of the “crow” identity and what it represents within the electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations community. In this episode, Ken is joined by Sergeant Brandon Smith to dive deeper into the connection between crow behavior and modern electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). They explore how traits commonly associated with crows, like intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration, mirror the skills required of today’s EMSO warfighters. Ken and Brandon break down the realities of EW and spectrum management in today’s operational environment, where success depends the ability to think strategically, adapt quickly, and stay ahead of evolving threats. By the end of the conversation, they make a compelling case: The crow isn’t just a nickname, it’s a mindset. Listen to Part 1 here. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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April 15 · 42 min
Adaptation as Advantage in Modern Warfare
What really separates winning militaries from losing ones? It may come down to something far less tangible than weapons or technology. In today’s episode, host Ken Miller sits down with Brian Clark, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, to explore a critical – and often overlooked – factor shaping modern warfare: adaptation. Drawing on insights from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the conversation examines how the ability to adjust in real time can determine success on the battlefield. Together, they unpack how rapidly evolving technologies, shifting tactics, and organizational agility are redefining what military advantage really looks like today, without relying on any single breakthrough capability. Find the full report at the Hudson Institute. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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April 1 · 42 min
What Happens When GPS Goes Dark?
GPS and GNSS systems quietly power nearly every aspect of modern life, from financial transactions and power grids to aviation and emergency response. But what happens when they’re disrupted? In this episode, host Ken Miller speaks with Dana Goward, President of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, about the growing threats to GPS and GNSS infrastructure. They break down how jamming and spoofing work, why these attacks are becoming more accessible, and how real-world incidents have exposed critical vulnerabilities. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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March 18 · 35 min
Unlocking Spectrum Dominance With AI and Cognitive EW
This week, host Ken Miller sits down with Dr. Karen Haigh to explore the rapidly evolving world of cognitive electromagnetic warfare and its implications for the future of modern military operations. Dr. Haigh shares her insights on how AI and cognitive systems are transforming military EW capabilities and the challenges that lie ahead. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or by visiting us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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March 4 · 59 min
Global Tensions from Tehran to Beijing
Host Ken Miller is first joined by USAF Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey Fischer, author and now CEO of Fischer Aerospace, to discuss the breaking news of the US and Israel's attack on Iran and what it could mean for the region. Then, Ken sits down with Dean Cheng, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-Resident Fellow at the George Washington University Space Policy Institute. They take a deep dive into the modernization of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the evolving security dynamics across the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on China's pursuit of information dominance. The conversation explores how the PLA is adapting its doctrine and capabilities in the EMS, and what that means for the US and its allies. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or visit us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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February 19 · 44 min
Why EMSO Needs a Seat at the Table
Host Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to talk about the growing push for a Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Combat Support Agency, and why the timing matters. Together, they explore the gaps that still exist in military policy, explain how the legislative process actually works behind the scenes, and share what it takes to build support on Capitol Hill. They highlight why advocacy, education, and engagement with the United States Congress are so important and how a more coordinated approach to spectrum operations could strengthen military readiness and overall mission success. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or visit us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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February 4 · 50 min
Is It Time for an EMSO Force?
In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, we go back to AOC 2025, where Ken Miller hosted a live panel with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Kevin Kennedy, Vice President for Defense Strategy & Warfighting Integration at Mantech. Col. (Ret.) Jeffrey Fischer; and Eric Bamford, Branch Chief EW for the Norwegian Armed Forces and AOC Board Member. Ken poses the question, “Is it time to establish a dedicated EMSO force?” The panelists discuss the value of international and coalition perspectives, debate whether the electromagnetic spectrum should be treated as its own domain, and explore the industry’s role in advancing military capabilities. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or visit us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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January 21 · 41 min
The Success of EMSO in Venezuela
In this episode, host Ken Miller takes a closer look at a recent US military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a case study in how electromagnetic warfare (EW) and directed energy are shaping modern conflict. Journalist Mike Fabey joins the discussion to share insights from his reporting, including the US military’s ability to execute complex missions without losses to friendly forces and the broader strategic message sent to global competitors like China. Ken then speaks with Dr. David Stoudt, Executive Director of the Directed Energy Professional Society, about the current state of directed energy, its relationship to EW, and the challenges of transitioning these capabilities into operational use, highlighting the growing need for closer collaboration between the EW and directed energy communities. We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or visit us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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January 7 · 42 min
What Does it Mean to be a Crow? (Part 1)
In the first of a two-part series, host Ken Miller brings the podcast back to basics and answers key questions newer listeners may not have thought about: Why are members of the electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations community called crows? Why is the moniker so key to understanding our mission and identity? In today’s episode, Ken is joined by John Mazluff, Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington and author of “Gifts of the Crow” and “In the Company of Crows and Ravens.” Together, they unpack what makes these birds so remarkable and what EMSO warfighters share in common with some of the most intelligent birds in the world. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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Dec 17, 2025 · 38 min
Disruptive EMSO: A Key to Mission Success
In discussions of electromagnetic warfare, experts and enthusiasts often discuss the lethal and destructive capabilities of the technology. But effective disruption is a key element to mission success, and today’s guest is at the forefront of conversations on agility and cost effectiveness in the EW space. But first, host Ken Miller welcomes John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), AOC’s official monthly publication. Ken and John wrap up AOC 2025 by sharing highlights of the week’s keynote speakers and sessions. Then, Ken speaks with Disruptive EW Machines CEO David Coyle about the role of EW disruption in operation success and making sure warfighters are as agile and adaptive as possible. Coyle says his company can deploy systems at a fraction of the cost of other legacy systems, reflecting a larger push from the Department of War to quickly deploy agile, adaptive systems. Coyle says this approach reflects the reality of modern electromagnetic warfare, which requires warfighters to rapidly build and train tactics against newer, more complex unidentified threats. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
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