EMS as the Context of Military Operations

Across our portfolio of advanced warfighting capabilities, we have trouble seeing the causes of our shared problems due to a long-standing fixation on their symptoms. While our individual technologies are indeed exceptional, our philosophy is becoming obsolete and so our approach is becoming deficient for our circumstances. The Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS), or simply the Spectrum, is no less than the totality of all radiant EM energy, for every purpose, usually referenced by frequency. By its omnipresent and immersive nature, the EMS provides an entire physical system of concepts, objectives, and relationships for underwriting strategic advantage in great power competition. However, we must deliberately choose to look beyond our comfortable, popular, localized assumptions to see and take advantage of the EMS’ systemic benefits. With those observations in mind, this discussion will visit our circumstances, challenges, and future opportunities for underwriting strategic military superiority through improving our understanding of – and thus our approach to – the Electromagnetic Spectrum domain.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Jesse “Judge” Bourque Jr., Lt Col, USAF (Ret’d) is a decorated Officer, published thought leader, and expert communicator with a broad professional network across government, partner nations, industry, and defense. 33 years of technical experience and process innovation at the leading edge of Electromagnetic Spectrum technology, plans, strategy, and doctrine development as well as operational execution in nationally sensitive real-world missions. Experience in over 40 nations. 15 years of Special Operations planning and execution as a battle-proven AC-130H Spectre Gunship and MC-130H Combat Talon II Electronic Warfare Officer with 133 combat sorties into Afghanistan, Haiti, Bosnia, Serbia, Somalia, Kosovo, Liberia (et al). Demonstrated expertise in radio frequency, millimeter wave, electro-optical / infrared and laser systems, tactics development, applications, and team management experience. Multiply published expert editorial author and communicator on EMS Operations and EMS Superiority. Subject matter expert / analyst to USSTRATCOM; OUSD Policy; SECDEF’s EMSO Cross Functional Team; and the DoD Chief Information Officer.