EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Team Eglin participants gathered at the University of Florida’s Research and Engineering Education Facility for Software Defined Radio Day, a hands-on workshop fostering continuous learning and technical innovation under a combat innovation initiative July 21.
Open to all members of Team Eglin—including active duty, civilian, and contractor personnel — the program is designed to equip participants with emerging technical skills that support rapid prototyping, code modification, and self-sufficiency in troubleshooting and repairing communications equipment. These capabilities are critical in contested logistics environments, where traditional resupply and support may be delayed or denied.
“I was able to follow the tutorials and collaborate with others who worked more in this environment,” said workshop participant, Tech. Sgt. James Lunsford, 919th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron. “Because of the training, I feel like I have gained knowledge and a new, valuable skillset I can take into the battlespace.”
The day-long event introduced participants to core principles and practical applications of software defined radio, including spectrum analysis, FM signal demodulation, signal processing using GNU Radio, tone transmission, and signal replay. These exercises not only built foundational skills but also demonstrated how SDR technologies can be rapidly applied and adapted to real-world scenarios.
“This opportunity was not just about learning a new skill for day-to-day use, but truly about where we are headed,” said workshop participant, Kevin Cenci, 96th Security Forces Squadron. “Innovation, adaptability, and lethality are no longer luxuries—they are simply requirements.”
The event supports the broader vision of technology maneuver, a concept developed by AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm, which empowers Airmen to experiment with and field advanced technologies through spark cells. In August 2024, AFWERX further reinforced this commitment by donating a dedicated combat innovation lab to the 96th Test Wing’s Plans and Programs Innovation Office, enabling sustained exploration and agile development of mission-relevant solutions.
“The Innovation Office is directly contributing to warfighter lethality by providing these opportunities,” said chief innovation officer, Steven Bailey. “We’re not just preparing Airmen for current challenges, we’re enabling them to outpace threats, respond in real time, and drive operational advantage in any environment.”
Software defined radio replaces traditional hardware-dependent communications systems with reconfigurable, software-based platforms—enabling greater flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in electromagnetic spectrum operations and modern warfighting.
“As we move forward, we must now look to prepare for challenges and roadblocks we have never faced and possibly near-peer threats. Every tool we gain is another device to use that could one day save our lives or another's life in an ever-evolving battlespace,” said Cenci.
For those interested in participating or learning more, the Innovation Office encourages Team Eglin members to join the 96th Test Wing CI2 Community TEAMS channel or reach out directly via 96TW.XP.CI2@us.af.mil. The next opportunity for hands-on combat innovation training is scheduled for the week of Sept. 29.