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In this episode of the Disaster Tough Podcast, host John Scardena interviews Erik Kramer, a 26-year U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, tech innovator, and senior leader with the National Center for Urban Operations (NCOU). Erik brings decades of experience in counter-drone warfare, urban operations, and emerging threat environments, with direct insight from years spent training Ukrainian forces and advising on counter-unmanned systems.

Kramer explains how drones and unmanned systems are fundamentally transforming warfare and crisis response — creating a “revolution in military affairs.” Drawing from his time in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, he shares how decision-making is shifting from senior leaders to junior operators who must act instantly under drone threats. He warns that the U.S. and local agencies remain woefully unprepared for a September 11th–style event involving unmanned systems, and stresses the urgent need for counter-UAS training, decentralized decision-making, and survivor-first leadership.

Beyond drones, Kramer highlights the often-overlooked risks of subterranean operations in cities — from tunnels and underground infrastructure to complex dense-urban terrain — and how NCOU is working with ports, first responders, and military units to build awareness, create tailored counter-drone strategies, and deliver advanced training.

This episode connects lessons from Ukraine, Special Forces culture, and emerging technologies directly to emergency managers, first responders, and policymakers who must adapt to an era where drones, cyber, and underground threats redefine homeland security.

👉 Listen now to learn how Erik Kramer and NCOU are helping leaders and responders for the future of urban conflict and crisis.

National Center for Urban Operations: https://ncuo.net

#FEMA #EmergencyManagement #DisasterResponse #NationalSecurity #UrbanOperations #CounterDrone #Drones #HomelandSecurity #PublicSafety #CrisisManagement #UkraineWar #MilitaryInnovation #Readiness #Preparedness #EmergencyServices