Beyond Theory: Norwich Students Gain Mission-Ready Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Expertise

In the long tradition of pioneering military education, Norwich University has once again stepped to the front of the line. Last month, the University hosted its first-ever Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) camp, a landmark program designed to introduce students to military operations within the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) as a maneuver space. With this initiative, Norwich affirms its role as a national leader in immersive EMSO education—preparing future professionals to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving spectrum environment.

The camp, led by seasoned experts in EMSO, Cyber Operations, Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), and Information Operations (IO), offered an intensive three-day curriculum. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of radio frequency (RF), spectrum management, cyber operations, EW, and EMSO. They learned and applied theory. Armed with advanced spectrum analyzers and mobile applications, participants detected signals, characterized the Electromagnetic Operational Environment (EMOE), and hunted for electromagnetic threats with precision and purpose.

One of the standout participants, Jayden LaVecchia ’27, described the experience as both rigorous and rewarding. He said he was “proud to join the Norwich Cyber Institute and Norwich University for the inaugural Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Experience. Three days of learning, experiencing, and planning culminating in a base tour and EMSO briefing was one of the best and most intensive trainings I’ve attended, and I’m glad to have been a part of the first course of many. Jack Skoda and Cecil McGee did an incredible job, and I can’t wait to see how the future courses grow!”

A defining feature of the camp was its direct link to real-world operations. Guest speakers, who were professionals in cyber, EMSO, EW, and spectrum management, brought first-hand accounts of current challenges and mission applications. The program’s capstone was a visit to an F-35 operations site, where classroom lessons connected seamlessly with operational realities on the cutting edge of modern warfare.

The EMSO camp reflects Norwich’s larger strategy: deliver cutting-edge experiential learning that blends technical expertise with strategic thinking, particularly in cyber and hybrid warfare. That strategy is already yielding results. In April, LaVecchia joined Brendan Coyne ’25, Ahmed Mohammad ’26, and Isabella Ross ’25 to represent Norwich at the inaugural Seerist Intellithon interactive intelligence competition. The Norwich team took first place and demonstrated their ability to assess simulated cyberattacks, evaluate geopolitical risks, and craft strategic mitigation plans in real time.

The experience was created under the vision of Dr. Sharon R. Hamilton, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Principal Investigator of the DoD Cyber Institutes program, to integrate Cyber and EMSO education. That vision was realized through a hands-on, student-centered experience designed and led by Jack Skoda, AVP of Cybersecurity Research at Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI), and Cecil McGee, President of Electronic Warfare Professionals, LLC (EWP). Together, they bring over 50 years of combined experience in cyber, EMSO, and defense training — blending academic innovation with real-world operational insight. 

Norwich University continues to chart new ground in the domains of cyber and hybrid warfare, expanding the scope of its academic mission to meet the demands of an every-changing battlefield. In 2024, the University launched the inaugural Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Academy. This pioneering camp provided immersive training in advanced research methodologies, transforming publicly available information into actionable intelligence. 

That same spirit of learning beyond the obvious will shape this year’s Military Writers' Symposium, held October 27-28, under the theme The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare. The program will explore the contested spaces where the traditional rules of engagement give way to subversion, technological disruption, and psychological manipulation.

As the character of conflict evolves, so too must the preparation of those who will study, lead, and ultimately shape it. Entering its 206th academic year, Norwich remains committed to aligning education with the realities of the present and the demands of the future. Norwich continues to stand at the forefront—relevant, responsive, and resolute in its mission to develop leaders who can navigate both the visible and shadowed fronts of conflict. 

From the cyber lab to the contested spectrum, Norwich University ensures its students move beyond theory into the realm of mission-ready competency. Programs like the EMSO and OSINT camps, funded by the Norwich DoD Cyber Institute grant, exemplify Norwich’s commitment to prepare students who are capable of operating with precision and adaptability in complex and unpredictable environments. These experiential learners are tomorrow’s leaders.