Course Details
An Introduction to Electromagnetic Warfare Principles for the Non-Engineer | AOC 2026 Pre-Convention Course
Course Dates: December 7, 2026 | 8 AM – 12 PM
Course Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center | 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745
Course Length: 4 hours total delivered across one course
Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to electromagnetic warfare (EW). Delivered in a fast-paced format, it offers high-level coverage of key topics, including a brief history of EW; an overview of modern threats, with a focus on radar systems and integrated air defense systems (IADS); and a breakdown of a representative EW system, including digital receivers, digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technologies, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) capabilities, and expendables. The course also introduces fundamental concepts in the testing and sustainment of EW systems. It concludes with an examination of emerging EW domains, including Cooperative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and drone protection.
Audience: This course is designed for individuals who are new to electromagnetic warfare (EW) or who do not have an engineering background but seek a clearer understanding of EW concepts that intersect with their professional responsibilities. It is particularly well-suited for program managers, contracting officers, and other non-engineering professionals working in the EW domain who want to communicate more effectively and confidently with their engineering counterparts.
Questions related to the pre-convention course and/or its content can be directed to [email protected].
This course will be held before AOC 2026 Convention & Symposium at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Course registrants must also be registered for AOC 2026.
Learning Objectives
- Outcome 1: A better understanding of the vernacular of EW (dB, X-Band, DRFM, J/S, etc.)
- Outcome 2: Understanding of the components of a generic EW system
- Outcome 3: A better knowledge of the various EW technologies in use today
Registration
Registration will open this summer. The course can be added when registering for AOC 2026.
Questions related to pre-con registration can be directed to Samantha Kim, Professional Development Coordinator, at [email protected].
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AOC Professional Development On-Site Event Cancellation Policy
To cancel a pre-convention course or on-site event registration, submit a written request at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled event via email to [email protected]. Phone cancellations are not accepted. Cancellations received less than two (2) weeks prior to the event will not receive a refund.
- Approved, requested refunds will be issued minus a $100 administrative fee.
- If the registration fee includes materials (e.g., textbooks, printed content) that were pre-purchased or developed before the event, registrants will be invoiced for these items that will include the cost of the material (s), shipping, taxes, and any customs fees, if applicable. Once paid in full, materials will be shipped. Payment must be received within 14 days of the date when the invoice is sent. Invoices not paid within the 14-day window will be subject to additional late fees.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the event or for no-shows.
- If a registered attendee is having trouble obtaining a visa, a written notification must be sent no less than 30 days prior to the course/on-site event to [email protected]. Refunds related to visa obtainment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Instructor
Kevin Stilwell brings more than 40 years of experience in the electronic warfare (EW) domain. Throughout his career, he has worked both within and in close collaboration with the Electronic Warfare Avionics Integration Support Facility (EWAISF) at Robins Air Force Base. His extensive background includes roles as a systems and software engineer on multiple U.S. Air Force EW systems, including the ALQ-99, ALE-47, ALR-69, ALQ-172, and the ALQ-161.
Stilwell has served as the principal architect for mission planning software suites across three EW systems and has led the architecture and development of two radar simulators and one radar emulator. More recently, he served as a technical advisor to the EWAISF Test and Evaluation (T&E) team, where he led efforts in applying high-fidelity closed-loop radar models and integrated air defense system (IADS) emulations to support the testing of 25 operational and experimental EW systems/subsystems.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Mercer University.
Stilwell is currently a Senior Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he is involved in ongoing weapon and EW system developments.
