TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01 - TRADOC - U.S. Army

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01miniaturization and micro-production of cameras, sensors, and communications devices andnetworks. Nanotechnology will enable development of “swarming” tactics—the use of largenumbers of tiny vehicles either autonomously (each acting individually) or networked (the swarmacting as a single entity to conduct attacks to overwhelm defenses). When properly directed,swarms can conduct continuous, autonomous operations.Researchers believe quantum computing has the potential to provide ten to the 15 th power(Teraflop) operations per second. 174 Advances in computing will lead to advances in robotics,with some robots nearly as smart as humans in some tasks, and faster and smarter in others,though unable to match the human’s ability to adapt and innovate to new circumstances. Astechnology advances, interactions between man and processing devices will increase. The humanmachine interface may be the key to yielding quicker recognition and response times for anynumber of processes that still require a human input. Limb and organ prostheses developed inthe human machine interface domain may help to overcome many physical disabilities. Newmaterials projected for the future will go far beyond the limits of current metallurgy andceramics. New structural and functional materials will be computer-designed and or optimizedmaterials ranging from metal alloys, semiconductors, and superconductors, to proteins. Thesematerials will be relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and super-hardened.In the next 10-20 years, breakthroughs in new structural materials and propulsion physicsmaterials will contribute to the concept of cheap access to space. Micro-payloads will alter thespace access matrix from dollars per pound to value per pound, enabling less expensive access tospace. Using new materials, engineers will explore alternatives for reliable and affordable accessto earth orbit such as the expendable launch vehicle. 175 Non-state actors may take advantage ofcheap access to space to wage anti-satellite warfare.Information, Knowledge, and CommunicationsThe information, knowledge, and communications revolution will continue to accelerate.Moore’s Law (whereby, the number of transistors on a chip doubles about every two years), orvariations thereof, will hold true for another 20 years. 176 Future information, knowledge, andcommunications systems will greatly speed data flow and contribute to global connectivity andinterconnectedness. As a result, there will be a major shift away from nation-states controlling orprotecting information. Networks will expand exponentially, making it easier for groups andindividuals to share information rapidly. There will be tele-everything: tele-conferencing, -shopping, -working, -schooling, and -playing. Other materials and methods will surpass thelimits of silicon-based processing. Bio-enabled computing power can facilitate mind-mappingtechniques to enhance significantly the efficiency and effectiveness of computer-assisteddecisionmaking. Pervasive information, combined with lower costs for many advancedtechnologies, will result in individuals and small groups having the ability to become superempowered.Potential adversaries will employ niche technology—weapons of mass destruction,for example—capable of defeating key systems and providing inexpensive countermeasures tocostly systems.173