America's Secret Weapon - It takes a network to beat a network.

Business 2.0 ^ | December 2001 | Thomas A. Stewart

[walden]

"The comments in the Business 2.0 forum relative to this the network article are not too encouraging. Most commenters did not grasp the article at all."

Well, my sweetie is a Marine Vietnam vet, and retired electrical engineer in charge of the global computer network of a major oil company (he once rolled out a new protocol from his laptop, sitting on my living room floor, working all night, bouncing routers all over the world. It was a hoot-- worked, too.) Anyway, bright guy. I pointed him to the articles, which he thought were extremely interesting. When I told him that I hoped the Feds were talking to these folks, he said, "Oh yeah. Don't worry." So, I don't worry-- my guess is that the people who need to understand such things do. :)

[timestax]

bump to the top

[walden]

"Note that all of the original thinking came from "outside" consultants."

Do you have a problem with that? I don't. In peacetime, that's where the best people go. The government doesn't have the money to pay them what they're worth, and their skills aren't needed anyway. Be honest. Did YOU fully realize the magnitude of the risks facing us prior to 9/11? I certainly didn't, although, looking back at all of the overseas attacks, not to mention the previous attempt on the WTC, I can't imagine how I could have been so blind.

Anyway, now we're at war, and if the government is really smart, they'll draw on all of the brains in the private sector to win. That is as it should be.

[hinckley buzzard]

Systems theories have been a perennial academic favorite since the '40's. They tend to be very clever at describing how a system works. They tend to be very weak at identifying ways to effect change reliably and in the desired direction.

For example, what does all this add to GW's down-home strategy of "smoke 'em out of their holes, get 'em on the run, don't let them rest, and bring 'em to justice?"

There's nothing wrong with all the analysis, I am just a bit skeptical that there is something new under the sun.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

So, a MLM (multilevel marketing) military is what we need for the next war, eh? You guys never stop dreaming of ways to expand and make a buck, do you? :-)

[nopardons]

You've got to be kidding, right ? Use the name of a bunch that was instramental in starting WW1 ?

[lavaroise]

Roll the mercenaries, bring in the money and the women he he he! Just joking.

[Brownie74]

.....lines of communication reach invisibly and murderously across national borders.

This is something I have always wondered about. How is bin Laden communicating with and coordinating his people?

I have seen pictures of him walking around with a hand held radio. Probably VHF or UHF. If he is using this type of radio, then he should be easy to find.

[Interesting Times]

It takes a network to beat a network.

Food for thought.

[IronJack]

I know some guys that are setting up a conservative network even as we speak ...

[harpseal]

This sounds very good in theory but I for one will wait to see its actual implemetation. The most common problem with implementation of good network theory is the "But we always did it this way mentality." So far the anthrax investigations and the FBI in general is not yet aboard. It is impossible to evaluate the US Military's acceptance of the new construct because to date they have not yet been employed in an anti-network operation.

As tothe war of ideas that is being waged in the Muslim street the jury is still out.

The great danger in these operations is to the liberties guaranteed by our Constitution. By revitalizing the Militia concept in implementing our own robust counter terror network we would mitigate most of those dangers.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown

[Interesting Times]

I know some guys that are setting up a conservative network even as we speak...

That's good. It needs to be done...

[IronJack]

Wanna join us? heh heh heh

[Interesting Times]

Wanna join us? heh heh heh

Man, I'd love to, but right now I have to write this damn business plan...

[Semaphore Heathcliffe]

By revitalizing the Militia concept in implementing our own robust counter terror network we would mitigate most of those dangers.

That's been my thinking at least since the announcement of the Office of Whatever that Ridge heads. The most logical solution is to authorize citizens who love not dying in hijacked planes to do some legwork. Unfortunately for those of us who would appreciate such a nod to our sovereignty and capabilities, the government cannot allow to too much control out here in the sticks. We might start gettin uppity.

Thanks, Dennis.