Electronic Warfare: The Changing Face Of Combat

By The Association of Old Crows (AOC)

Electronic Warfare (EW) is the struggle for control of the electromagnetic spectrum — to assure that friendly forces can use the spectrum to their full potential in wartime, while denying that use to enemies. U.S. military success depends on unfettered access to the spectrum to enable electronic equipment such as radars, communication links, computer networks, and sensors to work. The purpose of this report is to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing electronic warfare today and recommend steps to secure a durable and viable electronic warfare capability for the future.

The value of electronic warfare can be seen most clearly in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), insurgents initially inflicted the vast majority of U.S. casualties by employing Radio- Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RCIEDs) — a specific type of IED with electronic triggering mechanisms such as cell phones, garage door openers or car key fobs. In April 2006, U.S. forces began successfully applying electronic warfare to disable such devices and within six months through today, RCIED attacks and casualties have dropped significantly. These successes continue today and have allowed U.S. forces to better control the portion of the spectrum that RCIEDs utilize, saving hundreds of lives.