The exercise was held at the Gen. Curtis LeMay Command and Control Facility. Participants focused on addressing challenges related to electromagnetic spectrum operations during crisis and conflict scenarios.
Officials said the exercise examined conditions where the spectrum is both contested by adversaries and congested by civilian and commercial systems. These factors were further complicated by the austere environment in which the scenarios were conducted.
Michael Lutton, deputy commander of U.S. Strategic Command, addressed participants ahead of the exercise. He emphasized the importance of integrating spectrum considerations into military planning.
“Electromagnetic spectrum considerations must be central in defense planning,” Lutton said. “Our adversaries operate in the spectrum, so our freedom of action in the operating environment is strengthened by maintaining EMS superiority.”
Participants worked through two days of simulated scenarios designed to test tactics, procedures and operational responses. The exercise focused on operating effectively in degraded and contested environments.
“EMS is critical in today’s fight,” Lutton said. “It is imperative our warfighters be able to operate and win in a highly-contested environment.”
AnnMarie Anthony, director of USSTRATCOM’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center, outlined the objectives of the exercise. She highlighted the growing complexity of the electromagnetic environment.
“The end goal is to learn what, and who, to ask about EMSO,” Anthony said. “Today, the EMS environment is evolving rapidly, becoming increasingly congested and contested. This congestion poses significant challenges for both military and civilian operations.”
U.S. Strategic Command is responsible for overseeing electromagnetic spectrum operations under the Unified Command Plan. Officials said exercises like Aurora Pulse are intended to improve coordination and readiness across military and government organizations.
Source: U.S. Strategic Command.
