THE FUTURE WAR IS A COMPUTER WAR

Nowadays, few military theorists and practitioners doubt that we are on the verge of major changes in the military. This is due to the "new reality" of the emergence and rapid development of computer technology. For some, computers are primarily associated with games, such as "action-packed shooters," "Star Wars," and similar games that we always thought were unreal or at least very far into the future. Who would have thought that life, like a powerful telescope, would bring this future closer and make it an objective reality. And this reality is that modern computer systems are about to become more destructive than any hydrogen bomb.

Today, more than ever, the statement that "he who owns the world owns the information" is true. And in terms of collecting and processing information, a computer is indispensable. Making the right and timely decisions based on thorough analysis of the available data is crucial for managers at all levels, from top politicians to commanders and lower-level military officers. Technology allows for this to be done efficiently, but it requires proper utilization.

Military science in many countries is already approaching the creation of a unified computer network used in the army. Based on computerization, there is a serious integration of military branches and types of Armed Forces. This will lead to significant changes in military affairs, as the very essence of command and control is changing, with one or two commanders-operators on the battlefield being able to manage a vast array of diverse military equipment. The emergence of a unified computer network and unified information fields will enable the creation of fully automated combat systems. Additionally, there will be robotic weapon systems with elements of artificial intelligence. And all of this is not such a distant prospect. Thus, the expression "the future war is a computer war" is not entirely unfounded.

But even if you do not look into the future and "sink into the sinful land ", it becomes quite clear that now military affairs and general computerization are inseparable concepts. And let the poverty of our "smart" cars are still not in every part, not in every classroom. But this does not remove from us, the military, the responsibility for mastering electronic technology. Question : how do I do this? The task is difficult, but it is quite solvable if you manage to make the most of all the available opportunities. And here are a few problems. How to achieve intensification of training? Who to give priority in providing equipment? After all, to be honest, often the most powerful machines (by modern standards) stand in the offices of high bosses and are used instead of calculators and typewriters, and specialists who such equipment is desperately needed, are wandering around other people's offices or commercial firms. How to ensure the availability of open for use information in combination with a clear (understandable) regulation of the regime of secrecy? How can we unite the efforts of disparate, solo enthusiasts who are independently developing military applications? After all, we still have some good catches, but unfortunately, the number of them has not increased since the last cuts. We should take care of them.

Questions, questions... Will their solution take a long time, or will we be able to deal with them in a short time and meet the new reality with full force? After all, the "computer war" is already underway. It has been going on for a long time. However, we have not yet heard its cannonade. It would be unfortunate if we hear it too late.

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