In our last blog, we clarified that even though EP is one of the three original pillars of classic EW, it is not a “system,” but rather, it is a set of features that enable a spectrum-dependent system to access the spectrum, regardless of spectrum denial or other forms of interference (contest, congestion, constraint). We therefore stated that EP features can no longer be a “nice to have.” So, what can be done?

Earlier this year (February 2021), The Honorable Dr. Bruce Jette spoke at an AOC Leadership Series seminar where he implored this community to become “EW Warriors.” What he meant by that was, he was asking the entire EW Community to take on a mission of informing “everyone you come in contact with” about the challenges that exist in the DoD for fully integrated Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO).  Dr. Jette has a prodigious career in DoD acquisition, and he sees the reason why things like EP features are not getting funding is because the decision makers do not understand what is at stake. He was asking the community to start having conversations about the importance of things like EP features. Expecting DoD or USG leadership to make policy to this effect would likely not happen without education and awareness, at least not in the time frame needed. He said the direction needed to come from us: from the “bottom-up,” of you will.

As with most things in the DoD, it is difficult to make something like EP features a priority when it hasn’t experienced full scale spectrum denial in conflict where an entire mission “went to hell.” The DoD responds well to “incidents.” Or, I should say, our legislative decision makers respond well to incidents…

Without a fully declared war, who knows where and when such an incident would occur? We are in “Grey Zone Warfare” mode at the moment; events and skirmishes occurring just below the inflaming level of all-out war. So, without an incident, spending on the critical capability of EP features will remain in the shadows.

We can change all that by becoming EW Warriors. Take on a personal and professional commitment to have conversations around the imminence of spectrum denial and the importance of funding EP features for every spectrum-dependent system.  Tell your friends; tell your colleagues. Even our unsuspecting neighbors need to understand this gap, so when they go to the polls they vote for budget reform that redirects dollars to programs that will enable EP features.

As was stated in the last blog, we urgently need congressional funding guided toward R&D of EP features and TRL 4-7 enhancements of EA and ES systems with EP features.  Our ability to achieve Freedom of Action in the EMS depends on it.

Next time: What in the world is:

EMBM • MDO • JADC2 • EMSO • M-O-U-S-E!

Photo Credit: opm.gov