In a recent episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller welcomed retired US Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout to discuss the evolving challenges of electromagnetic warfare (EW), her career in military leadership and the urgent need for improved spectrum management. The conversation delved into critical issues facing the EW community, from inter-service collaboration to the strategic importance of non-kinetic warfare.
Leading in a Complex Environment
For Buckhout, stepping into the role of leading the Army EW Division was anything but straightforward. She found herself navigating entrenched institutional interests between the intelligence, signal and field artillery communities.
“I came in smack dab in the middle of rice bowls,” she recalled, referring to the long-standing silos that often hinder effective military coordination. “It enabled pushing people together and making them collaborate. And there was a lot of broken hearts and a lot of gnashing and wailing and tearing of hair and clothing for the first couple of years.”
Her leadership ultimately helped break down barriers and pushed the Army toward a more integrated approach to EW, though she acknowledged that challenges remain to this day.
The Growing Urgency of Spectrum Management
One of the central themes of the discussion was the increasing importance of spectrum management. While electronic attack and protection remain critical, Buckhout emphasized that without a clear understanding of the electromagnetic environment, military forces cannot effectively operate.
“If you don’t know what’s on your battle space, you can’t say we need more EA, we need more EP, we need more hardening protection because you don’t know what’s out there,” she explained.
Despite efforts dating back to 2007 to create a joint spectrum management system, progress has been frustratingly slow. Buckhout warned that failing to modernize spectrum tools could leave the US military vulnerable in future conflicts.
Preparing for 21st-Century Warfare
As global threats evolve, Buckhout underscored the need for a strategic overhaul in military readiness. With adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran investing heavily in non-kinetic capabilities, the US must do more to stay ahead.
“We have to prepare the Army and rebuild the military to face 21st-century threats,” she stated, highlighting the need for top-down policy changes that prioritize electronic warfare and spectrum dominance.
She also pointed to the necessity of strong leadership in pushing these initiatives forward, cautioning that a lack of decisive action could leave the military unprepared for emerging challenges.
Women in EW: Breaking Barriers and Pushing Forward
The discussion also touched on Buckhout’s experiences as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field. She recounted the obstacles she faced early in her career and the importance of perseverance.
“Pushing through fear is probably the most important thing you can do in life,” she said. “So many people, men and women, have an inferiority complex or they have this feeling, ‘I’m not good enough’ – imposter syndrome. Pushing through that is what leads to success.”
As part of Women’s History Month, Buckhout reflected on how far the military has come in terms of gender equality and the importance of focusing on competence rather than labels.
“I love getting rid of adjectives. I really do. I love to say, ‘That’s a Sailor over there and that Sailor needs to come do this job right now, period.’”
The Importance of Collaboration and Conferences
Another pressing issue discussed was the recent executive order limiting government travel to conferences. While Buckhout acknowledged the need for fiscal responsibility, she stressed the importance of in-person collaboration between the military, industry and academia.
“It is problematic, frankly… but I think it’s a temporary measure,” she said, expressing hope that these restrictions will be eased to allow for essential knowledge-sharing in the EW community.
Looking Ahead
As the episode concluded, Miller praised Buckhout’s contributions to the field and her role as a trailblazer for future leaders.
“Our community is so much better off today because of your direct influence and work,” he noted.
Buckhout, in turn, credited strong mentorship as a key factor in shaping her success. “Having a strong father figure makes strong women. It really, really does.”
With leaders like Buckhout continuing to advocate for change, the future of electromagnetic spectrum operations is poised for necessary transformation. The challenge now lies in ensuring that decision-makers at the highest levels prioritize spectrum dominance and electronic warfare as integral components of national defense.
Listen to the whole episode for free during Women’s History Month!
