Association of Old Crows: Proposed Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) Combat Support Agency (CSA)

The Problem

Operational assessments show persistent electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) gaps caused by organizational and governance shortcomings. Enterprise functions, like software reprogramming, threat analysis, training, and requirements development, are handled separately by each Service, leading to duplication, inconsistency, and slow responses. While spectrum operations are inherently joint, current combat support agencies cover only fragments of EMSO and lack authority to coordinate joint functions. Existing organizations are not resourced or chartered to meet Service needs, leaving a gap in joint support. With future challenges such as cognitive electromagnetic warfare and machine‑generated algorithms adding complexity, the absence of a unified EMSO entity heightens risk. Addressing these gaps requires major reorganization and a joint combat support agency with clear authority to integrate EMSO across Services and combatant commands.

The Solution

AOC supports the establishment of a JEMSO CSA within the DOD under 10 U.S.C. § 193 to unify and oversee electromagnetic spectrum activities across all DOD Components, ensuring readiness, operational support, governance, and enterprise management. In short, inclusion of the attached proposed language will achieve the following:

Core Purpose

• Establishes a dedicated Combat Support Agency (CSA) for electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO).
• Serves as DOD’s principal joint combat support organization in the electromagnetic environment (EME).
• Mission: Support the Armed Services and Combatant Commands to ensure successful operations across within complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Key Policy Change

• Designated as DOD’s primary authority on spectrum policy, replacing the CIO’s role as the principal advisor to the Secretary on all matters relating to the Spectrum.
• Leads enterprise policy, consolidates resources, and integrates into joint planning systems.
• Identifies and advocates future Key Operational Problems (KOPs) to the Requirements and Resourcing Alignment Board (RRAB).

Director’s Role

• Functions as a supporting commander to Combatant Commands.
• Deploys personnel and capabilities when authorized.
• Oversees readiness, training, reporting, and capability shortfall notifications.
• Manages planning, programming, budgeting, and readiness reporting.

Tiered Leadership Responsibilities

• USD(I): Sets CSA policies, coordinates with DNI on readiness reporting.
• OSD Component Heads: Ensure resourcing, training, readiness; consult CJCS; support CSART assessments.
• Military Departments: Provide consultative input.
• CJCS: Monitors execution, readiness, training; advises on programming/budgets; leads CSART cycle.
• Combatant Commanders: Integrate CSA missions into plans, identify requirements, assess gaps, and provide feedback.

Strategic Impact

• Centralizes spectrum operations under one joint authority.
• Strengthens governance and enterprise management.
• Ensures consistent support to Combatant Commands and Military Services.
• Enhances joint warfighting effectiveness in the electromagnetic domain.

Points of Contact

AOC Point of Contact

• Name: Ken Miller
• Title: Director, Advocacy & Outreach at the Association of Old Crows
• Email/Phone: [email protected]; (671) 431-9413

External Lobbyist Point of Contact

• Name: Katy Nazaretova
• Title: Director, National Security and Technology Policy, Forza DC, LLC
• Email/Phone: [email protected], (360) 820-1715