From the Crows' Nest

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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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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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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AOC 2025 Daily Podcast, Day 3

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Kevin Finch, AOC Board of Director and chair of this year’s symposium. Ken and Kevin tie together the major themes shared during this week’s presentations. Later, Ken is joined by the awardees of this year’s AOC Future Five. Each year, the AOC Foundation recognizes five young professionals as the Future 5, showcasing those who actively innovate and strive for excellence as they build their careers in electromagnetic warfare, electromagnetic spectrum operation, and information operations. Congratulations to this year's winners! 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 AOC 2025, please visit here.

AOC 2025 Continues on Day 2

In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Day 2 Keynote Speaker Congressman Don Bacon. Congressman Bacon is Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, IT and Innovation, US House of Representatives. Prior to his time in Congress, Congressman Bacon served 29 years in the US Air Force before retiring as a Brigidier General. They cover a range of topics including the congressional defense budget, the new National Security Strategy, and acquisition reform. Next, Ken is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the AOC’s Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), for his thoughts on the Day 2 agenda that also includes sessions on Counter Drone Warfare, the requirements process, and tactical evolution in the European Theater.

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AOC 2025 Begins, Daily Episode 1

In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, Ken Miller is joined by opening keynote Speaker Laurie Buckhout. Laurie is the former Assistant National Cyber Director for Policy at the White House. Together, they discuss the challenge of strengthening leadership for EMSO across the Department of War and the military service. Later, Ken is joined by John Knowles, the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED). John shares his thoughts on the message that attendees will hear throughout the week as they discuss charting a path for EMSO over the next decade. 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 topic visit here.

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Why America is in a Fourth Intelligence Revolution

Since the founding of America’s first centralized modern intelligence agency during World War II, today’s guest Anthony Vinci says that current agencies have undergone several revolutions in how espionage was done. But Vinci says we’re in the midst of a fourth revolution, changing the rules of espionage for nations and non-state actors alike. In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Vinci, a former intelligence officer and author of “The Fourth Intelligence Revolution: The Future of Espionage and the Battle to Save America.” Vinci says new asymmetric approaches to espionage combined with emerging technology has democratized intelligence, putting civilians at risk and threatening to leave America’s agencies at a disadvantage if they don’t adapt. To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.

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