Information leads to survival and supremacy in warfare, but where does information come from? What does it mean?  How should one react to it?  SIGINT is one of the key processes used by Commanders in today’s electronic battlespace to answer these questions.

The Intelligence process turns information into knowledge (something that is essential to the successful outcome of a mission, battle or campaign).  Aimed at the electromagnetic spectrum, SIGINT is indispensable to the battle for knowledge supremacy where a few seconds can make a world of difference.  Commanders who want advance warning of the presence of an adversary count on SIGINT.  Now, more than ever, to attain this edge, intelligence teams need to have a thorough understanding of the emissions transmitted throughout the electromagnetic spectrum.

In a Naval Task Group (TG), the unit within the group that provides the tactical EW picture to Command and its consorts is called the “Electronic Warfare Control Ship” or EWCS. The reported SIGINT information that EWCS provides, aids the Commander of the TG in establishing the Recognized Maritime Picture (RMP). This information is based on the surveillance reports from friendly units at sea, in the air, or ashore, that have the ability to detect and analyze emissions within the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In hostile situations the duties and functions of EWCS are vitally important to the overall survival of the TG and the units that it may be protecting.  If a threat is detected, units can hopefully respond to it in a timely and effective manner and possibly implement  the appropriate countermeasure to defeat it. Often, as in the case of self-defence against an incoming anti-ship missile attack, there may be only a few seconds of warning, or none at all to do this.  Any NATO or Allied warship may be asked to perform the important warfare duties of EWCS, often without any notice.  Are you prepared to assume these duties?

Course Abstract

This Advanced EW Course will provide your unit’s EW Team with a solid understanding of SIGINT concepts, doctrine and signal recognition, from both a strategic and tactical perspective. Your team will also gain sufficient knowledge to develop or expand their own SIGINT processes and this will in the long run benefit your EW product and the ability to react accordingly.  Covering a seven day period, lessons are broken into three units; the SIGINT environment, SIGINT products and the SIGINT operator. The last two days are focused on operator training within a Radio Frequency simulated multi-threat environment. Sitting side by side, yet miles apart, EW students will participate in realistic scenarios that allows them to conduct signal recognition and identification, emitter collection, track management, voice procedure and the direction needed to fulfill the duties of EWCS or a Tactical EW control unit.

EWCS’s emitter simulation is provided through the use of  VIEWS (Virtual Integrated Electronic Warfare System), a  simulation tool provided to EWCS, courtesy of DRS Technologies Canada

Enable your team to perform effective Mission Planning, conduct realistic Team Training and allow yourself to hone your skills against 'real' threats even while enroute to your deployment area.

EWCS’s training package is both comprehensive and affordable and supports Airborne and Land-based operators/operations as well.

UNIT 1 - THE SIGINT ENVIRONMENT

Lesson 1 - Defining the SIGINT Spectrum;
Lesson 2 - Spectrum Transmitters; and
Lesson 3 - SIGINT Receivers (WWII to Today)

Overview Unit 1

Unit 1 introduces candidates to the electromagnetic spectrum by showing them where different types of signals are contained.  Emphasis is placed on the Radio and Radar portions of the spectrum along with learning the terminology and the types of signals that EW operators can expect to see.  Lesson 3 is a graphical compilation of the EW equipment history of Canada and her international partner’s.  Evolving from WW II, see the systems used by both the Allies and the Axis, to the modern systems that are used today for Electronic Support, Electronic Attack and Electronic Protection in support of Maritime operations.  A must see!!

UNIT 2 - THE SIGINT PRODUCT

Lesson 4 - Security Classifications and Clearances;
Lesson 5 - Codification Processes for Platforms and Equipment;
Lesson 6 - SIGINT Organizations and Agreements;
Lesson 7 - How SIGINT fits into the many different types of Intelligence; and
Lesson 8 - Electronic Warfare Databases and Reprogramming

Overview Unit 2

Unit 2 covers SIGINT management and provides the candidate with an understanding of the SIGINT information structure.  Candidates will learn how to support SIGINT systems and they will become familiar with the many different types of information and sources that make up Signals Intelligence.  Finally, candidates will learn how SIGINT is collated, codified and reprogrammed to enable Electronic Warfare specialists to distinguish between Friend and Foe.

UNIT 3 - THE SIGINT OPERATOR

Lesson 9 - The Strategic SIGINT Collector; and
Lesson 10 - Tactical Electronic Warfare Tasking and Management – Being EWCS

Overview Unit 3

Unit 3, “The SIGINT Operator”, covers the typical duties performed by both strategic and tactical EW operators.  Aspects of these two lectures range from why SIGINT is conducted to how it is applied in modern warfare to ensure survival.  Having the best EW equipment in the world does not guarantee success without the ability to use it.  At the end of Unit 3, candidates will participate in a littoral-based simulation titled “A Conflict in the Maritimes”. This scenario brings together the teaching points of all three units and is centered around the related EW emissions that operators may encounter during Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and normal peace-time events.

Is your TEAM ready to assume Electronic Warfare Control duties or to work in a related Electronic Warfare environment? (sub rosa)