From the Crows’ Nest – site page
Why EMSO Needs a Seat at the Table
From the Crows’ Nest – site page
•February 19, 2026•53 min
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From the Crows’ Nest – site page•Feb 19, 2026
Why It Matters
A coordinated EMSO agency would streamline spectrum policy, reduce duplication, and enhance joint war‑fighting effectiveness, addressing a critical vulnerability that has persisted for decades. As the electromagnetic environment becomes increasingly contested, establishing the CSA now ensures the U.S. military can maintain a decisive advantage in future conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- •Proposal creates Joint EMSO Combat Support Agency.
- •Capitol Hill staff now possess strong EMSO expertise.
- •Persistent governance gaps hinder EMSO coordination across services.
- •Cost and staffing are primary congressional concerns.
- •2026 identified as optimal year for major EMSO reform.
Pulse Analysis
The Association of Crows (AOC) has leveraged the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act timeline to introduce a bold policy proposal: a Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Combat Support Agency (CSA). The draft seeks to centralize EMSO governance, mirroring existing combat support entities such as DISA and the Missile Defense Agency. By consolidating fragmented spectrum‑related functions—software reprogramming, requirements generation, and training—under a single authority, the CSA aims to eliminate the disaggregated structure that has hampered joint warfighting effectiveness for decades. The timing aligns with the House Armed Services Committee’s internal deadline, positioning the proposal for early staff briefings before formal committee consideration.
Recent Capitol Hill engagements revealed a surprising surge in EMSO expertise among both senior staff and newer aides. Legislators now encounter briefings from engineers and former DoD EW operators who can instantly recognize the chronic governance gaps highlighted in the proposal. Their feedback consistently centers on two practical hurdles: projected agency costs and the need for dedicated personnel. Staffers emphasized that without clear budgetary estimates and a staffing plan, even well‑conceived reforms risk stalling in the NDAA markup process. This heightened technical literacy, however, shortens the education curve and enables more substantive policy dialogue.
For defense contractors and technology firms, the CSA represents a potential procurement catalyst and a clearer acquisition pathway for non‑kinetic capabilities. A unified EMSO authority would streamline requirements, reduce duplication, and create a single point of contact for joint spectrum‑dominance initiatives, accelerating development cycles for electronic warfare and cyber‑enabled effects. Moreover, the agency’s focus on affordable, proliferated non‑kinetic platforms aligns with industry trends toward low‑cost, high‑volume solutions. Stakeholders should monitor the upcoming NDAA hearings, engage with congressional staff early, and position their offerings to meet the anticipated standards of the new combat support structure.
Episode Description
Host Ken Miller sits down with Katy Nazaretova of Forza DC to talk about the growing push for a Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Combat Support Agency, and why the timing matters.
Together, they explore the gaps that still exist in military policy, explain how the legislative process actually works behind the scenes, and share what it takes to build support on Capitol Hill. They highlight why advocacy, education, and engagement with the United States Congress are so important and how a more coordinated approach to spectrum operations could strengthen military readiness and overall mission success.
We invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org or visit us on our Instagram @fromthecrowsnestpodcast.
To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.
Show Notes
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