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The Robots of War: AI and the Future of Combat Industry News AOC News & Events AOC Chapter News and Events

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NEXT AOC VIRTUAL SERIES IS TOMORROW: Modified Escort Jamming, August 25
Thursday, August 25 | 14:00-15:00 EST, 18:00 until 19:00 UTC

The presentation will start with a brief discussion of the capabilities of new threat radars: significantly longer ranges and powerful electronic protection features. It will cover the conventional jamming geometries we have been employing for years: self protection jamming and stand-off jamming. These techniques have difficulty providing adequate jamming protection against the new generation threat radars. Modified Escort Jamming is a new technique that can provide significant jamming to signal ratio, but requires careful station-keeping.

This webinar will provide some straight forward formulas for calculation of the station keeping requirements as a function of the ranges involved and the specifications of the threat radars. It also includes formulas for calculation of the J/S and burn through ranges achievable through this technique.

This and other considerations of dealing with new generation threat radars will be covered in the course Dave will be teaching on the Friday and Saturday following the 53rd Annual AOC International Symposium & Convention in Washington D.C.

Register Now

Platinum Sponsor

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AOC 2016 ELECTIONS BEGIN NEXT WEEK: Learn About the Candidates Now in This Year's Election Guide
The 2016 AOC International Elections will run September 1-30 this year, but the election guide is available now for you to begin learning about the candidates for whom you will cast your vote. This year members will elect two At Large board members, and one board member each from International Region I and International Region II. Online voting will be available September 1, or look for your paper ballot in the June edition of JED.

Read the Election Guide (PDF)

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SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED: Register Now for the 5th Annual AOC Pacific Conference,  November 8-9 in Honolulu
Challenges and Opportunities for IO/EW/Cyber in A2/AD Environments

The purpose of the symposium is to bring together government, military, industry, academia, small business and other stakeholders for discussions on the operational challenges facing the practitioners of these IRCs, and to explore possible technological and tactics/procedural solutions. To stimulate wider interest and inquiry into these issues, the symposium and related activities and events will be open to registration by government, industry and academia representatives without regard to their AOC membership status (both AOC members and non-members may register) except that access of foreign and any other persons may be restricted as necessary in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

BG Richard K. Sele
Deputy Commanding General, U.S.
Army Civil Affairs and Psychological
Operations Command     

Dr. William G. Conley, SES
Deputy Director, Electronic Warfare,
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
(Acquisition, Technology and Logistics),

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS - DEADLINE NEXT WEEK!
AOC is soliciting original unclassified English language papers for the 5th Pacific conference from international leaders, military personnel, subject matter experts and leading thinkers from the government, military, academia and industry. Potential Speakers are invited to note the conference sessions topics and specific areas of interest:

• National perspectives on the IO, EMS and cyber aspects of overcoming A2/AD or countering Hybrid Warfare.
• Historical perspectives of the application of IO to overcome anti-access strategies and to reach target audiences in denied environments
• Analysis of current and potential threats to the U.S. and her Pacific Allies employing the integrated application of IRCs (IO) as a component of peacetime Hybrid Warfare
• Analysis of adversary and potential adversary offensive cyber strategies for peacetime, crisis and conflict
• Technological and engineering developments for enhanced Command and Control of the Information Environment
• Technology solutions for monitoring the Information Environment for operations and assessment

Please contact the Symposium Chair, Arthur Tulak, COL USA, Ret, at arthur.n.tulak.ctr@pacom.mil if you are interested in speaking or want more information and provide the title of the proposed paper, a brief synopsis and information on the speaker. Company or product briefs will not be accepted. The deadline for submitting is close of business Wednesday, 31 August 2016, but earlier is better.

Call for Presentations and Conference Registration

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CALL FOR POSTERS: AOC International Symposium and Convention
The AOC Poster Session will provide an excellent forum for authors, educators, students and young engineers to present their work in an informal and interactive setting. Posters are ideal for presenting speculative, late-breaking results, or for giving an introduction to interesting, innovative work. Posters are intended to provide authors and participants with the ability to connect with each other and to engage in discussions about the work.

The poster session provides information about the applications, architecture, implementation, performance and security of electronic warfare and information operations. Posters that present work-in-progress and draw important conclusions from practical experience are especially encouraged to submit.

POSTER SUBMISSION
E-mail the following information to Shelley Frost at frost@crows.org
• Title of proposed paper
• Name of presenter and organization represented
• One or two short paragraphs describing the scope of the paper

Early November, each selected poster presenter will be mailed a Poster Session Guide from AOC National Headquarters. It will contain detailed information on your poster session.

For more information, contact Shelley Frost at frost@crows.org

Submission Deadline is October 21, 2016.

Learn More

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REGISTER NOW: Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW) Systems Engineering and Acquisition Conference, September 20-22

Our adversaries are using ubiquitous and cheap technology to further develop cyber warfare as well as advance and proliferate electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. EMW is an operational approach to seizing the initiative across the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). The goal is to combine EMW capabilities in the sea, air and land domains to generate enhanced combat effects. EMW, in essence, means leveraging the cyberspace domain and the full electromagnetic spectrum for both offensive and defensive effects.
Learn More...

KEYNOTE SPEAKER



The Honorable Rob Wittman
US House of Representatives (VA-1)

Dr. John D Burrow
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

RDML Lorin Selby, USN
Commander, USN Naval Surface Warfare Center

Mr. Jay R. Kistler, Jr
Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering), Dir EW & CM Office

Mr. Bryan Clark
Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA)

Register Now

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REGISTER NOW: AOC 53rd International Symposium and Convention, November 29-December 1 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s 53rd Annual International Symposium and Convention is AOC’s premier event to enhance your personal and professional network, while engaging in discussions regarding Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations with military leaders, policy makers and electronic warfare practitioners from an international perspective. Technical papers will be presented to disseminate research findings and increase awareness of emerging technologies or concepts in the areas of electronic support, electronic attack, electronic protection, spectrum awareness and spectrum deconfliction.

Speakers representing the combatant commanders and our international community will address their regional perspectives on Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations providing an overview of their operational environments and addressing capabilities and challenges regarding EMSO policy, doctrine, procurement, training and joint or coalition operations. International regions that will be represented include Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Connect with thousands of colleagues and over 1,600 military and industry leaders and experts from all career levels, sectors, and EMSO focused businesses for three days of practical insight and networking with our U.S. and International members.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
This is THE event dedicated to the professionals shaping the future of the electromagnetic operational domain. It will be the best professional investment that you can make all year!  Register today and book your hotel room at the same time.  
Register Now!
Convention Page

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REGISTER NOW: Electronic Warfare Asia, September 20-21 in Kuala Lumpur
EW Asia returns to Kuala Lumpur to debate the ever-evolving challenges of this complex subject. Bringing together senior delegations from regional and international militaries, defence intelligence communities and scientific and research agencies EW Asia will showcase focused discussions and ‘thought leader’ presentations.

Southeast Asian countries need to be alert to the challenges involved in maintaining surveillance and intelligence superiority across the information domain space, thus ensuring the national security of their borders. Recent experiences of electronic warfare (EW) actions applied by Russia in Ukraine and Syria have demonstrated how crucial this domain is, particularly as such up-to-date and effective EW operations have not been experienced internationally for many years.

China’s investment and gathering momentum in the expansion of its own military cyber and electronic warfare technologies presents serious challenges for Asian security services who believed that, until recently, they retained EM spectrum superiority.

An improved understanding of the complexity of these challenges being faced needs to be followed by the development of skill sets for defensive and, if necessary, offensive countermeasures.

Register Now

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REGISTER NOW! CEMA 2016 - Achieving Overmatch through the Convergence of Cyber, Signal, Electronic Warfare, Intelligence, and Space Capabilities, October 18-20
This upcoming October will mark 15 years of persistent conflict where the Army has enjoyed a distinct technological advantage in its fight against terrorism and in the conduct of counter-insurgency operations. Today we are on the brink of a new era of great power competition conflict. With a resurgent Russia and an escalating China, a civil war in Syria with international implications and Iran and North Korea steadily flexing their military presence, there are forces to be reckoned with. All are employing advanced electronic warfare and cyber capabilities at a rapid rate. Given these recent developments from prospective near-peer adversaries, the Army cannot afford to "wait until the wolf is at the door" and must prioritize maintaining overmatch; easier said than done. Limited resources dictate an innovative approach to the problem. The answer lies in the effective enterprise capability convergence of cyber, signal, electronic warfare, intelligence, information operations and space capabilities to ensure cyberspace dominance while simultaneously denying the same advantage to adversaries. The idea of capability convergence as a combat multiplier is the basis for this year’s conference theme.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS



MG Bruce Crawford, USA
Commanding General CECOM & APG
   
MG Kirk F. Vollmecke
Program Executive Officer, PEO IEW&S

Mr. Kevin M. Coggins, SES
Direct Reporting Program Manager,
Positioning, Navigation & Timing

Register Now

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SEPTEMBER AOC VIRTUAL SERIES: Sampling Theory & its Effects on System Performance, September 15

 

NEW AOC MEMBER BENEFIT: Take Advantage of New Hotel Discounts
They say membership has its privileges – and it's the truth! As a member of the AOC you can access the JED online and receive a hard copy each month, as well as benefits in the AOC Store, and now there's a brand new special benefit just for AOC members!

A new partner – HotelStorm

The AOC is excited to announce a new partnership with HotelStorm to bring exclusive hotel discounts to our members. Simply search the website for your favorite destinations – whether personal or professional – and you'll find savings of 10-55% over other online travel agencies. Contact Glorianne O'Neilin, oneilin@crows.org, for login details.
AOC HotelStorm Site

And don't miss the AOC's other benefits from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Military Benefit Association, LegalShield, Aflac and more.
Member Benefits Page

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ONE MONTH UNTIL Asymmetric Threat Symposium IX, sponsored by the Association of Old Crows, CACI and Secure Freedom (Center for Security Policy)

Guests are invited to assemble with the common purpose of developing new thinking on achieving an overarching national strategy that will effectively counter the threats to national security.

When and Where
Thursday, September 22, 2016
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Gannett Conference Center
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, Virginia 22102

Register Now

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SAVE THE DATE: Maple Leaf Chapter First Annual Gala, September 28
We are pleased to invite you to attend the Association of Old Crows, Maple Leaf Chapter, First Annual Gala. This event will be a rare opportunity to meet Mr. John Knowles, Chief Editor of the Journal of Electronic Defense (JED) and keynote speaker. This gala sponsored by D-TA Systems Inc. will be held at the prestigious Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Please register quickly as spaces are limited!

Register Now

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CELEBRATING EXEMPLARY SERVICE: Congratulations to the AOC 2016 Award Winners
The AOC will recognize the premier leaders in EW, IO and EMS Operations fields throughout our 53rd Annual Symposium and Convention. Please join us in celebrating these award winners for their exemplary service to our community. The Gold Medal Award is the highest award given by the AOC for outstanding advances and contributions in all fields of EW and IO. The Gold Medal Award will be presented during the Opening Session on Tuesday, November 29th. The Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal Award is presented to an AOC member to recognize outstanding service in furthering the goals of the Association or its Chapter Organization(s). It is the highest award given to a member for service to the AOC. The Hal Gershanoff Silver Medal, the Colonel Anton D. Brees Lifetime Service Awards and the Joseph W. Kearney Award will be presented at the Annual Banquet on Wednesday, November 30th. All other Individual awards will be presented at separate venues.

Full List of Award Winners

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NEW JOBS ON THE AOC JOB VACANCIES PAGE: Positions Posted Now, Employers Can Post Positions for Free
The AOC has launched a new webpage where members and sponsors can post job vacancies. 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 that 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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The 1983 film WarGames portrayed a young hacker tapping into NORAD's artificial-intelligence-driven nuclear weapons' system. When the hit movie was screened for President Reagan, it prompted the commander in chief to ask if it were possible for the country's defense system network to be compromised. Turns out it could. What they didn't talk about was the science fiction of using AI to control the nation's nuclear arsenal. It was too far-fetched to even be considered. Until now. (Endgadget)
Learn More...

 

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The leadership of the Department of Defense is fixated on identifying and bringing to the military a series of technologically-based military capabilities that will provide this nation with enduring military advantage for decades to come. For more than sixty years, U.S. military superiority was primarily the result of advances in nuclear weapons, stealth and precision guidance and navigation and electronic warfare. These so-called First and Second Offset Strategies were largely the product of experiments, tests, training activities, concept developments and practice activities conducted in the Southwest Defense Complex (SWDC). (The National Interest)
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The Australian military is shaping a transformed military force, one built around new platforms but one that operatse in a joint manner in an extended battlespace. The goal is to extend the defense perimeter of Australia and create, in effect, their own version of an Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy. They also recognize a key reality of 21st century military evolution in terms of shaping an integrated information-based operating force. Interactive modernization of the force is built around decision-making superiority and that will come with an effective information dominant force. (Breaking Defense)
Learn More...

 

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"It makes it real." That’s what Tom Briggs, acting chief of test for the Navy, said as he watched F-35C after F-35C launched from the ship’s steam catapults during a long Monday. Briggs, who has led much of the testing for the Marines’ F-35Bs and the Navy’s F-35Cs, was visibly proud as he spoke of the five Navy test pilots who were doing their carrier qualifications aboard the USS George Washington, steaming somewhere off the southern Virginia coast: "For those of us who have been with the program for a while, this is fantastic." (Breaking Defense)
Learn More...

 

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The Air Force is pursuing some revolutionary technology solutions in the space and cyberspace realms, according to the service’s Space Command’s top scientist. During a presentation on Aug. 18 at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, Air Force Space Command Chief Scientist Merri Sanchez listed a raft of technologies and wish lists. (C4ISRNet)
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One of the Army’s biggest goals in the near future concerns network convergence. As evidence, look no further than the decision to disband its electronic warfare division, which will fold into a newly established cyber directorate at the Pentagon within the Army. Why converge? (Defense News)
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The U.S. Air Force has developed a 15-day training course for MQ-1 (Predator) and MQ-9 (Reaper) UAV operators (pilots) to qualify them as "Electronic Combat Officers." This means that the air force is finally equipping its larger MQ-1 and MQ-9 for EW (electronic warfare) missions. These two UAVs are large enough to carry some of the electronic sensors and jammers regularly used in missions seeking electronic information (ELINT) or for combat (SEAD). (Strategy Page)
Learn More...

 

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In the course of 75 years, fields and swamps along the Neuse River in Eastern North Carolina became the largest Marine Corps Air Station in the United States. And as Cherry Point celebrates its 75th anniversary, the future may just be as bright as its historic past. "I look forward to support for this base and for the Marines here for another 75 years," said Col. Chris Pappas III, who last month relinquished command of the air station. (JD News)
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The Army is taking a hard look at the possibility of accelerating some existing air-and-missile defense programs to keep pace with emerging threats, according to service leaders speaking Tuesday at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Commander Lt. Gen. David Mann and other senior leaders in missile defense presented the Army vice chief of staff last month with some materiel and non-materiel solutions and recommendations to bridge current AMD capability gaps over the next five years. (Defense News)
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Russia’s brand new ‘flying radar’, reportedly capable of detecting enemy targets at ranges of more than 600km, will be flight-tested next March. The A-100 Premier will make her maiden flight by 2018, a defense source told Russian media. The Beriev A-100 is an airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft currently being developed by Russia, an upgrade of the A-50. The long-awaited addition to the Russian Air Force has already been verified on the ground and are ready for in-flight equipment trials, the source told Izvestia newspaper. (via RT, Russian state-owned media)
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On Aug. 17, the British ministry of defense confirmed it would purchase a third Airbus Defense & Space Zephyr S high-altitude pseudo-satellite in addition to two previously confirmed in February. High-altitude pseudo-satellites — HAPS, for short — are super-lightweight unmanned aircraft that can linger around the stratosphere for weeks on end and act as localized satellites. Perhaps Britain’s purchase should come as no surprise — Zephyr is British-born and -bred. (War is Boring)
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Not long before they arrived, one of Ellsworth’s own was chosen to eventually join the squadron as part of a competitive exchange program. In June, Captain Aaron Tindall, a B-1 bomber weapon systems officer assigned to the 34th Bomb Squadron, was notified that he was selected for the program, leaving to train with the Growlers the following January. "Back in April of 2015, I had heard there was an opening, so I called Lt. Col. Kramer, who was the [34th BS] commander at the time, and told him I was interested, so he submitted my name," Tindall said. (DVIDs)
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In the skies and beneath the oceans, the world’s nations are racing to develop a new generation of hi-tech weapons including new breeds of robots — fast swarming drones — able to seek out and destroy enemy forces, surface warships and submarines. The Pentagon describes its efforts to stay ahead in this uncertain game as its "Third Offset Strategy." (The Australian)
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Leonardo has completed a first round of studies into converting the British-developed Airlander airship into a surveillance platform and is now in discussion with a number of potential international customers to take the project forward, according to company officials. "We have looked at the types of sensors we could fit, where they would be situated on the platform and what the integration issue could be," said a Leonardo Airborne and Space Systems spokesman in the U.K., talking just hours after the Airlander 10 had completed its first flight. (Defense News)
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While the Russian Kalibr cruise missile continues to capture the spotlight in Syria, on the other side of the globe the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is also developing advanced long-range precision strike weapons. Indeed, Chinese designers are hoping to develop a family of modular cruise missiles that could match many of the capabilities found onboard the U.S. Navy’s Block IV Tomahawks—including the ability to retarget in-flight (The National Interest)
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