Pentagon falling short in using electromagnetic spectrum to defend networks and communications, GAO says
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) officials might know that they need to put in more work to improve how DOD uses the electromagnetic spectrum, but so far that work has been lacking, according to expert testimony. Fed Scoop reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
8 April 2021 -- The DOD still needs to empower high-ranking leaders to push spectrum initiatives -- a key goal of the department’s spectrum strategy published in September, says Joseph Kirschbaum, director for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Defense Capabilities and Management Team.
Pentagon experts developed their spectrum strategy to claim superiority in building and defending networks after two decades of warfare with low-tech adversaries. Kirschbaum highlighted previous recommendations of a GAO report from December for the department to create long-term oversight to ensure the spectrum strategy gets implemented.
Potential adversaries like China and Russia have developed weapons to disrupt U.S. networks and communications using spectrum, the hearing’s witnesses told lawmakers. The ability to disrupt DOD’s networks would be damaging in a battle now, and even more devastating in the future as the DOD turns to rely more on spectrum to run operations.
Related: Today's battle for the electromagnetic spectrum
Related: Electromagnetic spectrum sharing among radar and communications systems moving forward
Related: Military re-learns the importance of electronic warfare (EW)
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
