Course Details
Lessons Learned from the History of Spectrum Use | AOC 2026 Pre-Convention Course
Course Dates: December 7, 2026 | 1 – 5 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: Across the history of spectrum use in military contexts, the development of new spectrum technologies and capabilities have greatly impacted the art of war. This course presents an overview of the development of spectrum use across history through to the present. As technologies and associated tactics and doctrine provided new capabilities in the spectrum, these greatly impacted and helped shape the outcome of many battles and campaigns. Examples of such battles will be covered in the course and lessons learned concerning spectrum use and EW will be discussed. The course seeks to provide historical precedents for the rapid and broad changes in military doctrine, tactics, acquisition, training, and the resultant preparation, planning, and execution of military operations needed to build and maintain advantage and superior capabilities in the spectrum today and in the future.
Audience:
- Engineers and other technologists
- Business managers relatively new to the field of EW
- Anyone interested in the history of spectrum use and EW
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 general understanding of the history of spectrum use and EW.
- Outcome 2: An understanding of how spectrum use shaped battles and the military art.
- Outcome 3: An ability to think through current and future changes in military spectrum use and EW and what they might require in future warfighting.
Registration
Registration will open this summer. The course can be added when registering for AOC 2026.
Please Note: To attend a course, you must be registered for the convention. Course registration is available as part of the main event registration process—simply select your desired course(s) when completing your event registration.
Course Pricing
Early Bird: August 1 - September 11
AOC Members - $550 | Non-Members - $700
Standard: September 12 - November 13
AOC Members - $650 | Non-Members - $800
Late/On-site: November 14 - December 7
AOC Members - $750 | Non-Members - $900
Questions related to pre-con registration can be directed to Samantha Kim, Professional Development Coordinator, at [email protected].
Not a member? Join now and save! AOC members receive discounts on all courses, free access to all webinars and much more.
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
Thomas “Weed” Bluhm was a USAF Electronic Warfare Officer. He deployed worldwide to fly Rivet Joint missions. In the 1990s, he served in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and NATO Operations in the Balkans. In 1995, he was one of seven USAF EWOs standing up the EW Section of the USAF Weapons School, 8th Weapons Squadron. As a 55th Wing Tactics Officer, Bluhm worked on employing the Rivet Joint in new tactical roles, such as supporting F-16 Block 50 SEAD and providing battlespace SA to joint force operations. In 1997, Bluhm transitioned to the EA-6B. He has bunch of medals and more than 3,800 hours in military aircraft. From 2006 to 2025, NAVAIR civilian Bluhm worked at Point Mugu and at the Pentagon on EW R&D and T&E. Now semi-retired, he enjoys writing bad poetry and songs inappropriate for many occasions.
