The Defense Department released a new Electromagnetic Spectrum Strategy, or EMS, that increases available spectrum to meet growing demand from the commercial wireless industry while maintaining critical military capabilities. “To achieve the balance required between national security and economic growth, DOD will continue to work in close collaboration with federal regulatory agencies and policymakers . . . as well as with commercial industry,” said Teri Takai, Pentagon chief information officer, in a release on Feb. 20, the same day that DOD issued the strategy. “Together we must identify ways to make more spectrum available for commercial use, and find technologies that enhance spectrum sharing, all while improving how DOD accesses spectrum, where and when needed, to ensure mission success,” she said. The strategy builds upon White House memoranda on spectrum issued in 2010 and 2013. (EMS document; caution, large-sized file.) (Spectrum strategy press briefing transcript)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
