History
What is a Crow?
The name "crow" has its roots in the earliest large-scale use of electromagnetic warfare – the WWII Battle of Britain and the Allied bombing campaigns over Europe. Radar countermeasure operators, originally known by the code name "ravens," used receivers and transmitters to monitor and jam enemy frequencies. Military parlance eventually transformed "ravens" into "crows." From that moment forward, those who defend and maneuver within the electromagnetic spectrum – across military, government, industry, and academia – have carried that name.
Today, the Association of Old Crows carries on that legacy as the premier professional community for the global electromagnetic warfare and spectrum operations enterprise.
Timeline: A Century and a Half of EW
From James Clerk Maxwell's theoretical groundwork in 1864 to the signal-contested battlespaces of today, the electromagnetic spectrum has shaped the outcome of every major conflict of the modern era. Explore our comprehensive timeline tracing the discovery of electromagnetic waves, the birth of radar, the evolution of electromagnetic warfare across two world wars and beyond, and the ever-expanding role of spectrum operations in an increasingly connected world. Woven throughout is the story of AOC itself, reflecting the association's deep roots in, and enduring commitment to, the EW community.
Go Back to How It All Started
The History of Crows podcast takes you on a journey through time and around the world to meet the inventors, the battles, and the technology that has not only shaped military operations – how we fight – but also how we live. It covers some of the most important people, discoveries, and events that have shaped what we know today as electromagnetic spectrum operations.
In Their Own Words: A History of EW
The history of electromagnetic warfare is best told by those who lived it. This series, drawn from the pages of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), spans decades of firsthand accounts, including a look back at the evolution of EW published during AOC's 60th anniversary, along with first-person military histories and operational retellings from the warfighters who were there.
EW Awareness Week: Promoting the Legacy
This summer, AOC will launch the inaugural Electromagnetic Warfare Awareness Week, taking place 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. Join us as we raise awareness of the critical role EW plays in national security, defense, and modern operations.
To celebrate EW Awareness Week, AOC is hosting a webinar for everyone at no cost. Whether you're a longtime member or new to the electromagnetic warfare community, join us for this unique opportunity to explore the history, impact, and future of EW.
