USSTRATCOM hosts first-ever Aurora Pulse electromagnetic spectrum exercise

U.S. Strategic Command hosted operations and planning officers from the uniformed services, unified commands, Joint Staff, and additional government agencies for a first-of-its-kind electromagnetic spectrum tabletop exercise, Aurora Pulse, March 24-26 in the Gen. Curtis LeMay Command and Control Facility here.

The participants gathered to tackle the robust challenges of electromagnetic spectrum operations during crisis and conflict. These challenges, compounded by the austere setting of the exercise, included not only contested use by adversary forces, but also congested access due to expanded spectrum allocation to commercial and civilian systems.

USSTRATCOM Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Lutton addressed participants prior to the exercise kickoff.

"Electromagnetic spectrum considerations must be central in defense planning," said Lutton. "Our adversaries operate in the spectrum, so our freedom of action in the operating environment is strengthened by maintaining EMS superiority."

During the exercise, participants walked through two days of scenarios, testing their procedures, tactics and operations in a degraded and contested environment.

"EMS is critical in today's fight," said Lutton. "It is imperative our warfighters be able to operate and win in a highly-contested environment."

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, USSTRATCOM's Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center director, framed the goal of Aurora Pulse.

"The end goal is to learn what, and who, to ask about EMSO," said Anthony. "Today, the EMS environment is evolving rapidly, becoming increasingly congested and contested. This congestion poses significant challenges for both military and civilian operations."

USSTRATCOM is directed in the Unified Command Plan to oversee electromagnetic spectrum operations.