Alexandria, Va. – The Association of Old Crows (AOC) is proud to announce the inaugural Electromagnetic Warfare Awareness Week, taking place July 20-24, 2026. This new annual observance is dedicated to increasing global awareness of electromagnetic warfare (EW), highlighting its history, evolution, and enduring importance to military operations, national security, and technological innovation.
Throughout the week, AOC will provide free educational resources, historical content, expert perspectives, and a complimentary webinar designed to engage military professionals, industry, academia, government, and anyone interested in understanding the electromagnetic spectrum as an operational domain.
Electromagnetic Warfare Awareness Week will be observed each year during the week that includes July 24, commemorating one of the most significant milestones in the history of EW.
On July 24, 1943, during Operation Gomorrah, Allied forces introduced “window” – the first large-scale operational use of strips of aluminum foil designed to overwhelm German radar systems. The tactic dramatically reduced the effectiveness of enemy air defenses, helped protect Allied bomber crews, and demonstrated how control of the electromagnetic spectrum could decisively influence military operations.
While EW has continued to evolve far beyond that historic moment, July serves as a reminder of the innovation, ingenuity, and operational impact that have defined the discipline for more than a century. By anchoring EW Week to this milestone, AOC recognizes both the history of electromagnetic warfare and its continued importance in today’s increasingly contested spectrum environment.
The centerpiece of the week’s activities is the launch of AOC’s new Electromagnetic Warfare Historical Timeline, an interactive resource chronicling the people, technologies, and milestones that have shaped electromagnetic warfare from its earliest applications to the modern era. Check it out at crows.org/ew-history.
“Electromagnetic warfare is woven into nearly every modern military operation, yet many people outside our community have little understanding of the critical role it plays,” said AOC Executive Director Shelley Frost. “Electromagnetic Warfare Awareness Week is about changing that. By bringing together history, education, and expert insight, we hope to inspire greater appreciation for the professionals working in this domain today while encouraging the next generation of innovators who will shape its future.”
As part of the inaugural observance, AOC is offering complimentary registration for a special EW Week webinar featuring distinguished experts discussing the history, evolution, and future of electromagnetic warfare. Additional resources released throughout the week will explore pivotal historical events, emerging technologies, and the growing importance of electromagnetic spectrum operations in today’s increasingly contested environment.
Organizations, companies, educational institutions, chapters, and individuals around the world are encouraged to participate by sharing educational content, recognizing professionals working across the electromagnetic spectrum, and helping expand awareness of this essential mission area.
To learn more, explore the historical timeline and register for the complimentary webinar, go to ewweek.org.
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About AOC: The Association of Old Crows (AOC) is an international, nonprofit professional association dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, AOC connects professionals across government, defense, industry, and academia to strengthen the global electromagnetic warfare community.
As the premier international association for EW and spectrum operations, AOC serves as a trusted forum for the exchange of ideas, innovation, and professional development across the air, land, maritime, space, and cyber domains. By fostering collaboration and recognizing excellence, AOC supports the advancement of capabilities and the professionals who operate in one of the world’s most critical and rapidly evolving operational environments.
Contact:
Hollann Schwartz
[email protected]
(703) 549-1600 ext. 224
