Mission & History
Mission
The Association of Old Crows (AOC) is a professional non-profit association that educates, connects, and advocates on behalf of its members and stakeholders across the global electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations community.
Vision
Position AOC as the premier global association that unites members, organizations, and like-minded individuals interested in electromagnetic warfare (EW) and spectrum operations internationally. Across government, defense, industry, and academia, and spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber maneuver spaces, we foster a global exchange of ideas, philosophies, and information. We are committed to providing a platform to recognize and celebrate the significant advancements and contributions in these critical domains, appreciating the hard work and dedication of our members.
How the AOC Delivers on Our Mission
AOC publishes the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), the premier publication for the EW community, and delivers it to AOC members in print and digitally.
AOC creates and curates the weekly eCrow and Spectrum Watch newsletters and the latest industry and association news at jedonline.com.
AOC produces AOC webinars that provide educational sessions on a myriad of technical topics in electromagnetic warfare, and AOC members receive complimentary access to on-demand webinars – with more than 100 hours of recorded educational content.
AOC hosts the Annual AOC International Symposium & Convention, the largest and most prestigious EW event each year with nearly 2,500 of our community’s leaders from 40+ countries convening to shape the future of electromagnetic warfare.
AOC organizes regional summits located at EW centers of gravity across the globe, provide in-depth discussions on solving the latest challenges and threats facing the warfighter.
AOC provides the only Career Center that serves as the intersection of talent and opportunity within the electromagnetic warfare enterprise.
AOC educates and trains the EMSO workforce through world-class professional development courses.
AOC advocates for EW and EMSO capabilities across government, military, and industry.
AOC connects members through more than 70 chapters across the globe, providing members with local networking opportunities and a vital sense of community.
AOC supports the next generation of crows with scholarships and the Future 5 leadership program.
AOC awards individuals and military units for their outstanding performance in furthering the aims of AOC and the electromagnetic warfare enterprise.
AOC stands at the heart of the electromagnetic warfare community.
What is a Crow?
The name "crow" emerged from the first large-scale use of electromagnetic warfare during the WWII Battle of Britain and the US/Allied bombing raids over Europe. The Allied Radar Countermeasure operators used the code name “ravens” and employed receivers and transmitters to monitor and jam threat frequencies. Military jargon later changed “ravens” to "crows." Since that time, the defense of – and maneuver within – the electromagnetic spectrum has been undertaken by "crows" across military, government, industry, and academia.