CEMA is a hot topic in defence at the moment. But what is it? And how do you train your personnel, so they’re prepared to operate in modern, multi threat environments?
Stuart Willumsen, Head of CEMA & EW Training at MASS, gives us a rundown in this quick Q&A:
What does CEMA mean?
CEMA stands for Cyber Electromagnetic Activity and it refers to everything on the electromagnetic spectrum. There’s no agreed definition of CEMA, but we see it like this: CEMA covers the usual Electronic Warfare and Signals Intelligence (EWSI) activity such as communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), but also includes a broader range of spectrum activity, such as defensive and offensive cyber operations and spectrum management.
There is a big focus on CEMA within the defence industry. How important is training in this?
A true capability is not new, modern platforms, equipment, or infrastructure alone. It’s the appropriate equipment combined with the relevant tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) employed by a well-trained workforce. Training is the T in TEPIDOIL according to the UK MOD’s defence lines of development (DLOD), and is critical to the building enduring military capability. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training is key to operating specific platforms, systems and equipment, but operational domain specific training is the key element to any operationally effective capability. It’s the difference between mission success and failure.
What role does MASS play in this evolution towards CEMA management?
MASS has been tracking the convergence of technologies and embracing this change for several years. Our ex-military CEMA practitioners, reinforced by cyber, scientific and research teams currently support domestic and international CEMA clients. This includes consultancy; establishing CEMA CONOPS, TTPs and doctrine; cyber assurance; penetration testing and digital forensics training at all levels from Senior Command and Staff Officers to tactically deployed CEMA operators and analysts. The ability to train and support military and partners across government (PAG) customers at the 3 levels of warfare is key to our continued success in this niche area. All our training capability is supported through the use of CEMA data management solutions, software toolsets and simulation which can also be made available to all customers both UK and export.
Tell us about MASS’ EW and CEMA training, what makes it so effective for customers?
At MASS we don’t just offer CEMA and EW training courses, we give you an education, a full body of work that enables you think through every scenario you face on the battlefield. We’re well versed in all aspects of individual, team and collective training be that individual and team EW and intelligence training to the provision of the joint command and staff training (JCAST) collective training contract on behalf of UK MOD.
For over more than two decades the operational training team have refined a mature bank of tried and tested hybrid-delivery methods which are designed to transfer knowledge with the minimum of cognitive burden. We utilise state of the art simulation software in conjunction with representative data to establish a “real world” look and feel to all our scenario-based training deliveries. Training for the known and educating for the unknown, we underpin theoretical classroom-based training with simulation allowing personnel to practice their skills in a benign environment. This ability to conduct mission rehearsals in a virtual environment is key to operational advantage when war fighting.
Find out more about our EW & CEMA Software and Training services.
