ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association of Old Crows (AOC) strongly applauds the recent introduction of H.R. 4851, The Electronic Warfare Capabilities Enhancement Act, by Rep. Jackie Walorski and Rep. Rick Larsen. Walorski and Larsen are co-chairs of the congressional Electronic Warfare Working Group (EWWG) and have long been leaders in advancing awareness of and support for critical Electronic Warfare (EW) technologies and capabilities for US military forces on Capitol Hill. “We express our deepest gratitude for the leadership of the EWWG. The growing support for EW in Congress today is due in large part to the efforts of Representatives Walorski and Larsen in bringing together leaders in government and industry to advance innovative EW systems and capabilities that are a prerequisite for successful military operations in the twenty-first century,” said AOC President, David A. Hime.
H.R. 4851 is a companion bill to S. 2486, of the same title, introduced by Sen. Mark Kirk on February 3; however, the House version contains several important changes that represent the dynamic conversation surrounding the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) as a critical operational domain. The bill also provides additional flexibility in the use of funds authorized and appropriated for EW. Specifically, H.R. 4851 supports the use of sustainment funds for critical modernization of legacy EW systems. “H.R. 4851 takes an important step in breaking down antiquated stovepipes to ensure, when we have technology ready to modernize a legacy EW system, we can get that improvement to our warfighters quickly,” said Hime. The bill also includes additional language to empower the recently established EW Executive Committee (EW EXCOM) and to expand delegation authority for new and important tools to expedite development and fielding of EW systems.
“[W]e cannot ignore the serious ramifications of failing to keep up with the ever changing pace of military technology,” said Rep. Walorski in a joint statement. Rep. Larsen continues, “Our warfighters face a wide range of threats in the EM spectrum, from terrorist groups using cheap, secure, commercially-available technology to rival nations deploying highly innovative electronics. Too often, our women and men in uniform are using outdated technology in the increasingly contested EM spectrum.”
Founded in 1964, and with over 13,000 members internationally, the Association of Old Crows (AOC) is an organization for individuals who have common interests in Electronic Warfare (EW), Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Information Operations (IO), and other information related capabilities. The Association of Old Crows provides a means of connecting members and organizations nationally and internationally across government, defense, industry, and academia to promote the exchange of ideas and information, and provides a platform to recognize advances and contributions in these fields.
