Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Electronic Warfare - The Changing Face of Combat

Despite the high profile of Electronic Warfare (EW), the Navy leadership of the specialty is fragmented. Today, there is no single-point-of-contact within the Navy for EW and that trend is likely to continue as the community shrinks. One recent, positive development is the establishment of an EW office within Naval Network Warfare Command that has the responsibility to look at full-spectrum Naval EW. Unfortunately, this office is inadequately staffed for its mission. It remains to be seen if this office provides the mechanism to consolidate Navy EW, but it is a step in the right direction. 
 
Regardless, due to the importance of EW in the service, the Navy needs to identify a flag officer with authority over EW programs and open a career path for Navy EW officers to ascend to senior leader status. It would serve the Navy well to ensure this community stays together and remains the standard for EW expertise in the services.

The full report is HERE.

((Note:  Scuttlebutt is that RDML Jan E. Tighe will assume responsibility for EW on the OPNAV N2/N6F3 staff.  Also, VADM Dorsett announced on 2 March 2011 that NNWC would be disestablished (presumably with the retirement of RADM Edward H. Deets III on 5 August 2011.))

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