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Within this digitized context a short examination of some
problems/consequences will be taken.
Problem One: Understanding “Information-Based Intent”
Intent is an amorphous concept that is defined as a purpose or goal or
why one performs an act. Intent originates in the head of an individual today
just as it did before. In the past, however, intent could be measured in terms of
cold steel by observing the mobilization of a country’s resources, the movement
of tanks to the front, or their deployment into battle formations. Measuring the
intent of electrons, their purpose, goal, or what act they are performing, is
another matter. Take, for instance, the difficulty in exposing the intent of
electrons sent from a private computer “somewhere” in the world and rerouted
through several intermediate countries. Where did the electrons originate? Who
was the initiator of the electron stream? What is the goal or purpose of the
electrons and what are they doing?
The “soldier-operator” (S-O) behind a computer monitor or radar
screen is usually the front line defense in the battle to detect and understand
electronic intent. The S-O works in and relies on virtual space for his contextual
understanding. This work space is where the tension among space-based
information capabilities, intent, and understanding/comprehension of what is
transpiring escalates due to the uncertainty and resulting pressures on operators
and commanders to act. A captain who “hesitates too long while trying to
identify conclusively that radar-screen blip” could lose his ship and the lives of
all those aboard. 372 This is ultimately why there are hair-trigger rules of
engagement (ROE) for naval forces in the Gulf that require only “some
convincing indication that a ship or plane is approaching with hostile intent” in
order to ask headquarters for permission to shoot. 373
In the past, when an opponent’s intent appeared aggressive, planners
had time to perform opposing force calculations where the unit focus was
critical—battalion versus battalion, tanks versus tanks, and so on. While it is
possible to perform a correlation of opposing electronic forces (systems), a
correlation of opposing electrons is more difficult. The units of measure for
such a comparison are simply unknown. So is a way to measure their intent and
focus—is it at the unit or strategic level?
Electronic intent is easy to mask, as skilled computer programmers are
now demonstrating. For example, screensavers with a soothing appearance and
372 Church, p. 17.
373 Ibid.
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