U.S. Military Operations Within the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Operational Critical Weakness
Abstract
Military forces are utterly reliant and irretrievably wed to the electromagnetic spectrum. Unfettered use of the electromagnetic spectrum is a critical requirement in generating and applying combat power in 21st century across all of the warfighting functions. U.S. military operations within the electromagnetic spectrum and the resultant benefit and strength for American forces are in jeopardy. As our demands on the spectrum expand and our enemies' abilities to utilize the spectrum increase, our ability to continue to coordinate activities within the spectrum is growing more and more problematic. Past programs of frequency deconfliction as the primary means for coordination are insufficient in an environment that requires maximum efficiency in the use of the spectrum. Additionally, civilian thirst for spectrum usage has led to portions previously reserved solely for military operations being auctioned to commercial enterprise. Furthermore, Electronic Warfare (EW) efforts regarding the spectrum are generally uncoordinated either at the tactical or the operational level, and have consequential second and third order effects. Finally, long inattention to EW and frequency management competencies has left forces vulnerable within the electromagnetic battlespace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484326
Entities
People
- Blake Tornga
Organizations
- Naval War College