150 S13 Ep 25 – Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) on the Modern Battlefield w/JRTC Experts

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fiftieth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by MAJ David Pfaltzgraff, the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer and MAJ Marc Howle, the Brigade Senior Engineer / Protection OCT for the Brigade Command & Control (BDE HQ), on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today’s guests are subject matter experts across JRTC’s sustainment cyberspace electromagnetic activities enterprise: MAJ Brian Jones is the Cyber Electro-Magnetic Activities Planner for the Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control task force and CW2 Luis Alicea is the Senior Electromagnetic Warfare Targeting OCT for Brigade BC2.   This episode explores Army cyberspace electromagnetic activities (CEMA) from a tactical perspective, focusing on lessons learned at JRTC and how units can better integrate these capabilities into planning and execution. A central theme is that many formations still struggle to understand what CEMA can realistically deliver, often defaulting to complex deception or electronic attack concepts without first mastering the basics. In reality, the most effective employment at echelon is often through electromagnetic sensing and reconnaissance, helping build the enemy picture and feed the targeting process rather than attempting low-probability jamming effects with limited organic systems. The discussion reinforces that CEMA must be integrated early in MDMP and nested within intelligence, fires, and maneuver planning—not treated as a niche or standalone capability.   The conversation also highlights persistent friction points, including inexperienced and under-resourced CEMA cells, poor staff integration, and unclear command relationships with assets like the MFRC and EW platoons. Units frequently fail to empower junior officers and NCOs to contribute during planning, resulting in missed opportunities and “money left on the table.” Training recommendations emphasize building foundational understanding at home station, conducting capability briefs with subordinate units, establishing clear reporting and communications architecture, and rehearsing how CEMA feeds targeting and decision-making in real time. Ultimately, success in CEMA is less about advanced technology and more about leader education, disciplined integration, and owning the capability within the staff process to generate meaningful effects in a contested electromagnetic environment.   Part of S13 “Hip Pocket Training” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.