What's on the horizon for the next week across the AOC community? Here's what you need to know.
Three major AOC deadlines hit this Tuesday, June 30.
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Submit your abstract for AOC 2026
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Nominate a candidate for the AOC Board of Directors
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Apply to be one of the next Future 5
Don't wait until the last minute. Once these deadlines pass, these opportunities are gone for another year. Keep scrolling to find out more!
The AOC 2026 theme, EMS Superiority – Challenges and Opportunities Across the Globe, reflects the accelerating competition for electromagnetic spectrum dominance shaped by regional dynamics, emerging threats, alliance structures, and operational environments. We invite members of the EMSO community to submit original, unclassified abstracts that support that theme – but time is running out.
AOC 2026 will gather over 2,500 professionals from 40+ countries spanning industry, military, and government December 8-10 in National Harbor, MD. Pre-convention courses will be taking place on December 7. Separate registration required.
The Call for Papers ends this Tuesday, June 30. Don't miss your chance to share your expertise on the global stage.
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Do you have a passion for shaping the future of the EW community? Nominations are now open for the 2026 AOC Board of Directors election – it's your time to make a difference. Nominations are due June 30.
Open positions for the 2026 election:
- At-Large Director (2 openings)
- Northeastern Region Director
- Southern Region Director
- International Region II Director
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Are you or someone you know a rising star in the field of electromagnetic warfare, spectrum operations, or cybersecurity? Each year, the AOC Foundation recognizes five young professionals as the Future 5, showcasing those who actively innovate and strive for excellence. Catapult your career to new heights and position yourself as a future leader in the field. Apply by June 30.
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AOC will launch the inaugural Electromagnetic Warfare Awareness Week July 20-24, 2026. This annual observance will highlight the history, evolution, and continuing importance of electromagnetic warfare through educational content, expert insights, and community engagement. As part of the celebration, AOC will host a July 22 webinar titled Exploring the Legacy and Future of EW, which will be open to everyone at no cost.
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The defense budget process plays a critical role in shaping military priorities, technology investments, and the future of EW. In this new episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller and Forza DC's Katy Nazaretova discuss the policymaking process, advocacy strategies on Capitol Hill, and how election-year dynamics can influence congressional decisions affecting EMSO.
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MODERN WARFARE AND THE EVOLUTION OF AIR DEFENSE
Registration is now open for the Surface-to-Air Missile Systems Symposium returns, taking place September 22-24 in Huntsville, AL. The symposium will bring together military, government, industry, and academia professionals to confront the rapid evolution of adversary SAM systems and integrated air defense systems (IADS). Sessions will explore threat characterization, SAM architecture progression, lessons learned from combat operations, and novel approaches to countering adversary systems – all with an eye toward achieving enduring advantage within the electromagnetic spectrum.
Don't miss your chance to attend this mission-critical summit – register today.
Classification: SECRET//NOFORN (Days 1-2) | TOP SECRET//SCI//NOFORN (Day 3)
NON-KINETICS FOR MODERN WARFARE AT THE SPEED OF RELEVANCE
The EW Capabilities & Gaps Summit, taking place July 28-30 in Crane, IN, will explore emergent non-kinetic capabilities in an increasingly autonomous warfighting domain – spanning operational doctrine, cognitive EW, AI/ML applications, autonomy and counter-autonomy, open architectures, and distributed lethality – with a focus on rapidly prototyping, testing, integrating, and fielding solutions that deliver an enduring electromagnetic spectrum advantage to the joint force.
Classification: SECRET//NOFORN (Days 1-2) | TS//SCI (Day 3)
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Summer is one of the best times to sharpen your edge, and AOC has virtual courses lined up to help you do exactly that. Whether you're focused on satellite vulnerabilities, drone threats, or the cutting edge of metasurface technology, there's something here to advance your expertise – all without leaving your desk.
Dr. Rafael Licursi leads this two-session course covering how to detect, track, and defeat unmanned aerial systems – a must for professionals operating in today's threat environment.
Round out your summer with Dr. Licursi's exploration of metasurface technology and its growing role in shaping the future of EW systems.
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New to electronic warfare or transitioning into an EW role? AOC's Fundamental Principles of Electronic Warfare (EW 101) delivers a comprehensive grounding in modern EW systems and operations across three days, September 14-16, at Johns Hopkins University. Instructor Chuck Quintero with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory will cover RF mathematics, radar systems, emitter detection, jamming techniques, and more. Spots are limited, so register today!
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Your chapters are doing incredible work around the world, and we want to help you shine a spotlight on your successes in AOC's publications and social media. From groundbreaking events to member achievements and community impact, we want to help you share your latest news. Remember: Your chapter's story is part of AOC's story. By sharing your successes, you're contributing to our impact on the global EW community.
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Stay engaged with your local AOC community! Chapters around the world host a variety of events, including technical forums, seminars, symposia, and networking opportunities focused on electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations. Visit our chapter events calendar for the latest listings and registration links.
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[Application Deadline] Future 5
