WASHINGTON: The Army Electronic Warfare Division at the Pentagon is currently soliciting nominations for the 2009 Army Outstanding Unit Award.
Army units that can demonstrate success operating in an electronic warfare or information operations environment and have furthered the importance of electronic warfare are eligible to apply.
Electronic warfare is the management of the electromagnetic spectrum, with electronic warfare specialists serving as force integrators, advising commanders on how to best utilize EW equipment, and tactics to identify, target and attack the enemy while still protecting the friendly use of the spectrum.
“Soldiers are the Army’s number one asset, and what these guys do is incredibly important,” explained Col. Laurie Buckhout, chief of the Electronic Warfare Division. “Our enemy may be living in rough terrain and may not have all the comforts that we do, but they have the same access to technology, and staying one step ahead is our challenge.”
Buckhout explained that Army EW is particularly unique due to the challenge of complex terrain, and a complicated electromagnetic environment with many competing signals.
“Electronic Warfare capabilities equip units with precisely tailored skills to operate, find, and attack the threat without impacting the surrounding environment, both physical and spectral,” she said. “The Army wants to recognize exceptional units who exercise these skills on day to day basis to save lives.”
“Military units that are involved with electronic attack, electronic protect and electronic support or related disciplines that support electronic warfare are important to our discipline,” explained Kermit Quick, president, Association of Old Crows, the sponsoring agency for the award. “It is important to acknowledge units in the field because they are in many cases in harm’s way, taking the fight to our adversaries. Who better exemplifies electronic warfare accomplishments then those at the pointed end of the spear?”
Once designated, the award will be presented by Quick at the opening ceremony of the 46th Annual AOC International EW Symposium and Convention in Washington, D.C.
Last year’s award recipient was the 640th Sustainment Brigade, USAR, Nashville, Tenn. The 640th Sustainment Brigade was the first Army unit to have a full complement of Army trained Electronic Warfare Officers in theater.
Exceptional units that have demonstrated the ability to operate in an EW/IO environment should submit a nomination via official memorandum to HQDA G3/5/7 Electronic Warfare Division, Maj. Kerry Roberts, COM: 703-692-5844, DSN: 222-5844, Email: [email protected], by July 15, 2009, detailing the following:
– Unit contributions to Army EW/IO that present justification for the award.
– Relevant personal or historical information pertaining to the unit’s contribution to Army EW/IO.
– Names and addresses of superiors to be notified as a matter of protocol.
– A proposed citation for the award (25 words or less).
