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Brainstorming Future Cyber Structure Industry News AOC News & Events AOC Chapter News and Events

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CALL FOR PAPERS: AOC EW Europe - Advancing EW and Electromagnetic Operations Together, June 6-8

AOC EW Europe will be held in perhaps the world’s most iconic city – London. It will consider the future of EW and EM Operations in the changing light of current and emerging threats, including Hybrid Warfare and Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) where potential opponents are out-performing the West. It will consider the possible responses and how thinking and attitudes must change and examine the new capabilities that will be required across all lines of development, by all services, in all countries in the free world.

The conference will include plenary sessions and twin-tracks focusing respectively on operations, capability and defence lines of development, and industry developments and inventiveness. AOC EW Europe 2017 will bring together the communities involved in EW, SIGINT, C4ISR, Cyber EM Activities (CEMA) and more. Speakers will include leaders and operators from the military, government, academia, S&T and R&D communities and crucially, industry. This is an unclassified truly-global EW networking, exhibition, workshop and conference and not to be missed.

CALL FOR PAPERS: DUE MARCH 17
The AOC is soliciting original unclassified papers for the London conference from international leaders, military personnel, subject matter experts and leading thinkers from the government, military, academia and industry. Please submit your paper below if you are interested in speaking. Please provide a succinct title of the proposed paper, a brief (100 word) synopsis (bullet form is acceptable) and information on the speaker. Company or product briefs will not be accepted.  Submission of a proposed paper does not guarantee acceptance as spaces are limited. The Call for Papers will close on 17 March 2017– please submit as early as possible. You will be notified if your submission is successful, as soon as possible.  Potential speakers are invited to note the conference sessions topics and specific areas of interest:

-Keynote addresses, operational updates and support activities.
-National perspectives.
-The impact of potential adversarial Hybrid Warfare and Anti Access/ Area Denial capabilities, and how to prevent or mediate these threats

•     Defensive and offensive capabilities.
•     Technological and engineering developments including autonomous or semi-autonomous weapons; swarm technology, detection and countermeasures; directed energy and laser weapons, and countermeasures.
•     Future warfare – capability, integration and interoperability.
•     Critical EM lines of development such as training, test and evaluation, modelling and simulation, concepts, EW operational support (including parametric database evolution), etc.
•     EW and EM operations, SIGINT, ISR, spectrum management, and network enabled capability.
•     The information domain/environment, information operations, cyber warfare, Cyber EM activities (CEMA)/operations, social media, etc, and how these are likely to develop and influence free-world room to operate and manoeuvre.
•     Briefs on major national programmes and capability development in the maritime, air/space, information/ cyber and land domains, such as the F35 program.
•     Mining Big Data, Information Operations and EW – the implications and opportunities.
•     The Global role of academia in supporting the future of national capability in the EM and Information domains.

The language of the Conference is English. Abstracts with an overtly commercial content will not be accepted.

Call for Papers page

Register Now

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NOMINATIONS DUE TODAY: 2017 AOC International Elections

The AOC is accepting nominations for the 2017 elections to the Board of Directors and for president-elect of the Association. You all are in a great position to help shape and decide the future of the Association of Old Crows! Nominations will be accepted now through March 1st, 2017. Elections begin on September 1st, 2017, and will end on September 30th, 2017.

In addition to selecting our next president (vice president in 2018 followed by their two-year presidential term), this year's elections include two at large director positions, each for a three-year term. Also, three regional directors will be elected for their three (3)-year terms as well — one each from the Mountain-Western Region, the Northeastern Region and the Southern Region. These five new directors and the president-elect will be installed at the 2017 Symposium & Convention in Washington DC.

Click HERE to access the Nomination Form. Nomination information must be received at AOC HQ by close-of-business March 1st.

Please direct all questions to the N&E committee:

Dave Hime – davehat1407@gmail.com
Glorianne O'Neilin – oneilin@crows.org

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REGISTER NOW: 46th Annual Collaborative EW Symposium, April 25-27, Pt. Mugu, CA
"Collaborative Electronic Warfare: Enabling Collaborative EW Through Innovation and Invention"

As EW warfighting requirements continue to evolve in their complexity and interdependency, it is clear that future EW systems must work collaboratively with other Air, Ground, Surface Space and Cyberspace systems. The 46th Annual Point Mugu Electronic Warfare Symposium will facilitate the exchange of enabling concepts and provide a venue to disseminate current research in the fields of Collaborative Electronic Warfare. Prominent leaders, contributors and representatives from the United States and Australian military, government, academia and industry will come together to address current Electronic Warfare gaps and emerging technologies in Collaborative Electronic Warfare required to address these gaps.

View the Conference Page for the Draft Agenda

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
     

Rear Admiral Christian "Boris" Becker
Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence and Program Executive Officer for Space Systems

More Details

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DON'T MISS NEXT WEEK'S WEBINAR: An Introduction to Conventional Cryptology
An Introduction to Conventional Cryptology
Thursday, March 2, 14:00-15:00 EST | 19:00-20:00 UTC
We start with a short introduction that presents some of the basic tasks and principles of cryptography and of cryptanalysis. For this, we introduce confidentiality, identification/authenticity, integrity and non-refutability in communication processes and information systems. We discuss how a cryptosystem can be formalized and how we can investigate its security. The most important principles like one-way functions, keys, Kerkhoffs principle, information vs. computational security, attack models and the role of brute-force attacks are discussed. By giving important examples we then continue with a (short) overview of today’s essential symmetric (AES/Rijndael) and asymmetric cryptography methods (Diffie-Hellman, RSA, ECC).

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FOLLOW UP WEBINAR: Cryptology in the "Quantum Era"
Thursday, March 16, 14:00-15:00 EST | 18:00-19:00 UTC
In the second talk we explain the principles of quantum computers (qubit, superposition,...) and why it is believed that they are a huge game changer in computational science in general and in cryptography in particular (Shor’s algorithm, quantum FFT, super-polynomial speed-up). We also mention that at the other side of the game, "quantum cryptography" (quantum key distribution (QKD)) may potentially help for unprecedented security. Finally, the presentation concludes with  a summary and a short outlook on post-quantum cryptography candidates (McEliece, lattice-based, code-based, etc.).

Register Now

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PRESENTATIONS DUE NEXT WEEK: 9th Annual EW Capability Gaps and Enabling Technologies Operational & Technical Information Exchange, May 9-11, Crane, IN
EW warfighting requirements continue to evolve in their complexity and capability to meet Air, Ground, Surface, Space, and Cyberspace requirements. The 8th Annual Electronic Warfare Capability Gaps and Enabling Technologies Operational & Technical Information Exchange will provide a forum for EW professionals from the military, government, industry and academic fields, to discuss issues related to the requirements of EW programs, platforms and operations. This capstone event will focus on the identified gaps and technologies the services require to ensure EW maintains freedom of maneuver through the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) in support of achieving commanders’ objectives. Speakers and presenters will look back at the previous few years and identify progress made to ensure the success of the warfighter in tomorrow’s battlespace.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
EW warfighting requirements continue to evolve in their complexity and capability to meet Air, Ground, Surface, Space, and Cyberspace requirements. The 9th Annual Electronic Warfare Capability Gaps and Enabling Technologies Operational & Technical Information Exchange will provide a forum for EW professionals from the military, government, industry and academic fields, to discuss issues related to the requirements of EW programs, platforms and operations. This capstone event will focus on the identified gaps and technologies the services require to ensure EW maintains freedom of maneuver through the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) in support of achieving commanders’ objectives. Speakers and presenters will look back at the previous few years and identify progress made to ensure the success of the warfighter in tomorrow’s battlespace.

This call for papers challenges presenters to explore innovative and leap-ahead enabling technologies and methodologies to meet currently identified EW Capability Gaps. Presentations or demonstrations from all United States Services, DoD, Industry and Academia are requested to identify technical paths, options and potential opportunities for filling current and future EW Capability Gaps. Submitted abstracts are specifically requested to address one or more of the symposium sessions. Amplifying information on the three sessions is referenced below.

Abstracts for presentations are required in unclassified textual format. Please forward abstracts to Ms. Shelley Frost at frost@crows.org. The submission deadline is 10 March 2017.

More Information

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: AOC Spectrum Visualization Challenge
The AOC and Raytheon are partnering to sponsor a Spectrum Visualization Challenge (SVC) -- a pilot scholarship opportunity for undergraduate students pursuing STEM-related fields of study. The SVC challenge is to visually represent and explain electronic warfare (EW), which takes place within the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). If you are interested in entering or would like to learn more about the competition, please click here.

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The Association of Old Crows (AOC) is seeking candidates to fill a newly created Director of Advocacy and Outreach position. This is a full-time staff position reporting to the Executive Director in the Alexandria, Virginia headquarters office.

The AOC is a fifty-year old 501(c)(6) professional society for individuals who have common interests in Electronic Warfare, Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Operations, Cyber Electromagnetic Activities, Information Operations, and other information related capabilities. The association provides a means of connecting members and organizations nationally and internationally across government, defense, industry and academia to promote the exchange of ideas and information and provides a platform to recognize advances and contributions in these fields. See www.crows.org for more information.
Learn More...

 

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DRAFT AGENDA AND SPEAKERS RELEASED: International & Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Electronic Warfare Symposium and Workshop, May 15-19 in Atlanta
U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) of sensitive military technologies, like Electronic Warfare, can be difficult to understand and navigate for International Partners and U.S. Defense Industry. U.S. Export laws, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), requirements for Export Licenses, and in some cases Congressional approval, can be confusing and complicate the sale of EW systems and associated technical support. This conference provides an educational opportunity and forum for U.S. Government, U.S. Defense Industry, Academia and International partners to share information and provide updates on FMS and DCS program policy, processes and improvements.


Mr. John A. Weida, SES
Director Policy, Programs & Strategy, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs (SAF/IA)

Col Earl W. Stolz II (invited)
AFLCMC/WNY, Robins AFB, GA

Colonel Jong Lee, USA (invited)
PMO-ASE, Redstone Arsenal, AL



CAPT Laura Schuessler (invited)
PMA-272, NAS Patuxent River, MD

Lt Gen Bob Elder (Ret.)
Symposium Chair

Ms. Lisa Fruge-Cirilli
AOC President

Full Details

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SPREAD THE WORD: 2017 AOC Scholarships Available
Thanks to the generosity of the Raytheon Corporation, the National AOC Education Foundation received some generous resources in the past year. Two college students (junior or senior) shall receive a $12,500 scholarship each. There are several criteria these students must meet to be eligible for a scholarship. Please consult the following link for an application, which contains the eligibility criteria:  http://www.crows.org/aef/scholarship-a-grants.html.

We need to get the word out about these two scholarships. Please spread the word at chapter meetings, chapter social gatherings, or chapter emails. As a member of AOC, you yourself can hand out copies of the application, email it to your colleagues, or encourage fellow members to do the same. If your chapter has an association with local colleges through a current scholarship program, please work with your scholarship committee to see that the proper representative at those schools is contacted, and provided with an electronic copy of the application.  

Something to keep in mind is these students should be majoring in a technical field. Ultimately, AOC wishes to see more people serving in government/industry supporting National Defense, so we need these professionals to possess strong degrees in engineering and science.  Specific categories include: in Electronic Warfare (EW), Information Operations (IO), Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA). When passing along the particulars of this great opportunity, please be sure to emphasize this eligibility requirement

All applications are due by March 31, 2017, and are to be sent directly from the applying student to scholarship@crows.org.

Please act quickly to get the word out to as many people as you can. AOC is counting on you to help find the right students to meet its future goals in sustaining electronic warfare. 

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SUPPORT THE AOC: 2017 Sponsorships
How do you reach more customers in the Electromagnetic Warfare community? The AOC! To maximize your impact in 2017, begin securing your sponsorship positions today. When you strategically plan out your year with the AOC, you can realize significant savings.

Check out our updated sponsorship catalog below.  

Sponsorship Catalog

Current Event Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities:

• 46th Annual Collaborative EW Symposium
• 9th Annual EW Capability Gaps and Enabling Technologies Operational & Technical Information Exchange
• International & Foreign Military Sales Electronic Warfare Symposium and Workshop
• EW Europe 2017
• 8th Annual Cyber/Electronic Warfare Convergence Conference

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AOC VIRTUAL SERIES: Cognitive EW - Latest Buzzword or Way of the Future?
Thursday, April 6, 2017 |14:00-15:00 EST

The concept of cognitive EW has recently emerged as a possible means to ensure the future success of EW systems in increasingly complex and dynamic environments. But as with any new concept - especially in the military domain where secrecy is paramount - details about what cognitive EW really is and what it actually does are extremely limited. Under the circumstances, the appropriate response seems to be: Is cognitive EW really something useful or is it just the latest buzzword?

This webinar will attempt to provide a clearer overview of what cognitive EW is and is not. Possible goals for cognitive EW will be highlighted along with the potential benefits which may be accrued. Perhaps more importantly, some of the challenges to and potential limitations of cognitive EW will also be covered in an attempt to provide a balanced view of the concept. The relevant issues will be illustrated using an EW mission-planning tool currently under development as an example.

Register Now


Gold Sponsor

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DOWNLOAD NOW: Report on the 9th Asymmetric Threat Symposium
Download the White Paper, "Offset Strategies to Prevail Against Asymmetric Threats" now.

Click Here for the PDF

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The local chapter of the Association of Old Crows, known as the Dixie Crows, took over the Museum of Aviation last March during its 41st annual symposium, "Electronic Warfare/Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Today’s Innovations Countering Tomorrow’s Threats." It exceeded expectations of participants, vendors and guest speakers for the technical conference. (The Sun News)
Learn More...

 

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DIXIE CROW SYMPOSIUM 42: Join us in Warner Robins March 19-23

Our Symposium Committee, Dixie Crow Chapter President and Chapter Directors cordially invite you to join us for all the exciting events at the Dixie Crow 42nd EW/IO Technical Symposium, March 19-23 in Warner Robins, GA. The Dixie Crow EW/IO Technical Symposium is pending approval by SAF/AA. AFLCMC/WNY is co-hosting the Symposium’s AF Technical Program and Short Courses with the Dixie Crow Chapter of the AOC.

Conference Page

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VISIT THE AOC JOB VACANCIES PAGE: Post Your Jobs
Employers can post on the Job Vacancies page for free. Follow the guide located HERE to provide information on posting a job listing. Submitted listings will remain live for 30 days. The AOC will not format or edit submitted postings, and will not respond to any questions from candidates concerning postings. We are hoping members and sponsors will take advantage of this free AOC service. Complete the guide linked above and submit to Tim Hutchison at hutchison@crows.org.

Job Vacancies Page

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Adm. Mike Rogers, who heads both NSA and Cyber Command, is looking past CYBERCOM’s elevation to an independent Unified Command towards a much wider reorganization of military cyber. Some reorganization is implicit in a Feb. 17 memo in which Defense Secretary Jim Mattis charges Deputy Secretary Bob Work to "develop an initial plan... for more optimized organizational structure and processes to support information management and cyber operations." But speaking to the AFCEA-USNI West 2017 conference here, Rogers proposed an array of specific changes, from giving tactical units more authority to conduct cyber attacks to creating a new structure to oversee both cyber and electronic warfare. (Breaking Defense)
Learn More...

 

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The U.S. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 on 18 February began what the US Navy (USN) referred to as "routine operations" in the South China Sea. The move, which has angered China, came less than a month after Beijing reiterated its "indisputable sovereignty" claim over parts of the disputed resource-rich waters. Prior to their operations in the South China Sea, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Destroyer Squadron 1's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108), and aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, conducted training off the islands of Hawaii and Guam to "maintain and improve their readiness, and develop cohesion as a strike group", said the USN. (IHS Jane's 360)
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An electronic warfare (EW) evolution has been in progress for some years within the RAAF, with the force currently in the process of receiving its new force of Boeing E/A-18G Growler aircraft to build out its offensive capabilities in the electronic domain. Electronic warfare was not something the RAAF focused on, RAAF Group Captain Timothy Churchill, director of the Growler Transition Office, told Jane's, adding that "signals intelligence (SIGINT) was something that was done by the strategic [intelligence] agencies". (Subscription) (IHS Jane's 360)
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The Air Force Chief Scientist told Scout Warrior future drones will have better sensors and be more stealthy, autonomous and lethal. The drones of tomorrow will be stealthier, faster, more computerized, equipped for electronic warfare, more lethal, more autonomous and, in some cases, able to deploy as swarming groups of mini-drones, according to the Air Force’s Chief Scientist. (The National Interest)
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The U.S. Air Force will deploy the F-35A to fight the Islamic State group in the Middle East in the "not too distant future," potentially a few years down the road, the outgoing head of Air Combat Command said Friday. "The Middle East deployment isn’t imminent, it’s planned for a few years out," Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle told reporters, noting that the service expects to send small detachments of F-35s to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region first, maybe as soon as this spring. (Defense News)
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Soldiers and Civilians from Team Signal – 5th Signal Command (Theater), 2nd Signal Brigade and the U.S. Army Europe G-6 – integrated more than 60 tactical systems in 17 locations into a federated network to provide communications support to U.S., Allied and partner nations during Exercise Anakonda 2016 taking place June 6-17, 2016 throughout Poland. A Polish led, joint multinational exercise, Anakonda will test the ability, readiness and interoperability of the Polish Armed Forces with Allies and partners, while conducting a joint defensive operation on a large scale. According to exercise organizers, there are more than 30,000 participants from 24 partner and allied countries taking part in Anakonda 2016. (DVIDs)
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India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Israel, has planned to develop a long-range Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) with a 360-degree coverage. The system will be similar to the Phalcon A-50 long-range AWACS. It would take six years to get the system "totally functional," India's Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said. (Defense World)
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U.S.-dominated NATO threatens Russian security. State-of-the-art air defenses are vital. Russia has the world’s best – better ones coming by 2020 or sooner. More on this below. Its S-400 air defense system is unmatched – the world’s most sophisticated technology, able to strike targets up to 400 km away at altitudes up to 90,000 feet, including fifth generation warplanes, as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. (Centre for Research on Globalization)
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