USAF Updates Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Guidebook to Counter Foes’ Advancing Capabilities

The U.S. Air Force has published Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-85, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, which implements changes in the EMS operational environment. 

An update to AFDP 3-51, Electromagnetic Warfare and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, issued in 2019, the document introduces newer concepts and terminologies to keep pace with adversaries’ advancing capabilities and enhance U.S. superiority on the battlefield. 

An Air Force spokesperson said continuing changes in the war environment demand that the service branch’s guidebook is current and aligned with the joint force’s doctrine, DefenseScoop reported.

The new Air Force EMSO doctrine provides guideposts on “an overmatching, offensive approach” to build U.S. competitive edge further and “create multiple dilemmas for adversaries in all domains,” according to the document’s foreword.

The updated Air Force doctrine also defines the authorities, roles and responsibilities in the service branch for EMSO to be “effective, responsive, and adaptable to a dynamically changing environment,” the spokesperson added. 

The new doctrine cites specific USAF Major Command and Space Force Field Command roles. It also highlights the EMSO programming and reprogramming support of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, created in June 2021.