Electronic warfare

What is the difference between adaptive and cognitive electronic warfare?

Ask any lawyer and they’ll say semantics matter. The same can be said in the military. For example, what is the difference between adaptive and cognitive electronic warfare? Does it even matter? 

According to the Air Force Science Advisory Board, it does matter. These two terms are used almost interchangeably, said the board’s chair, Werner Dahm, at the Pentagon this week in a briefing on the 2016 studies the board examines. 

The board’s goal is provide the Air Force — and DoD — with independent and scientific insight into operationally relevant problems. While a general officer is assigned to each study as a means of ensuring the independent scientists from outside the government are focusing on operationally relevant aspects, the board’s findings serve in an advisory capacity only, unless greater action from leadership is taken based upon findings.