Why I Wrote a Novel: Exploring Future Warfare and Inspiring a New Wave of Military Writers

by Lieutenant Colonel Tom Gaines

In an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving geopolitical challenges, the military must adapt not only in how we fight but also in how we think, plan, and envision the future. One way we can better understand what’s coming is through the power of narrative. Stories engage us in ways that facts and data alone cannot. They allow for creative exploration, presenting complex scenarios in ways that can feel immediate and relevant. Unlike technical articles, fiction offers flexibility, inviting readers to consider multiple perspectives, anticipate challenges, and imagine solutions. That’s why I decided to write my first novel, Quantum Dagger. I wanted to weave together themes of technology, strategy, and military operations to create a vision of the future that could spark discussion among soldiers, leaders, and industry professionals.

This book is also part of my response to the call within the Army for leaders to contribute to the broader discourse. Reading and writing are more than intellectual exercises; they are ways of shaping the Army’s future. Whether in novels, articles, or formal reports, storytelling brings insight into the open, allowing us to collectively address the questions and challenges we face. Writing Quantum Dagger gave me the opportunity to contribute to this dialogue in a new format, one that invites readers to think critically about the intersection of technology and strategy on the battlefield.

The SOF-Space-Cyber Triad: Tomorrow’s Battlefield

At the heart of this story lies the concept of the SOF-Space-Cyber triad, a critical theme that defines much of my vision of future warfare. The Special Operations Forces (SOF)-Space-Cyber triad represents the convergence of three powerful domains, each with unique challenges and capabilities. Together, they offer a framework for understanding the multi-domain operations that will characterize future conflicts. SOF plays a central role, leveraging their expertise in unconventional warfare to build partnerships and disrupt adversaries in ways that traditional forces cannot.

The SOF-Space-Cyber triad represents not only new technological frontiers but also new types of partnerships, alliances, and mission structures. Last year, Lieutenant General Braga invited authors Peter Singer and August Cole, known for their novel Ghost Fleet, to speak with USASOC about the strategic value of fiction in envisioning future conflicts. Their work showed how narrative can be a powerful tool for examining and understanding complex systems. Inspired by their approach, I sought to dive into this concept by exploring how these domains could interact and reshape the landscape of conflict.

In the novel, the triad plays out through technologies that are either already in use or rapidly approaching readiness: AI decision-making systems, quantum computing, and autonomous drones. Each of these technologies is poised to revolutionize military operations. But with this potential comes risk, and understanding the interplay between these technologies requires both technical knowledge and creative foresight. The book challenges readers to think critically about the implications of integrating these advancements into our national security strategy, emphasizing the pivotal role that SOF will continue to play in maintaining global partnerships and ensuring operational success in future multi-domain battles.

Challenges with Emerging Technologies

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that emerging technologies will transform the way we operate. But with these advances come significant challenges. The story explores the potential and limitations of some of these technologies, prompting readers to question both the opportunities they offer and the threats they present.

One of the most transformative technologies currently in development is artificial intelligence. Across industries, AI is revolutionizing how we gather, process, and interpret data. In the military, AI has the potential to enhance everything from logistics to battlefield decision-making. However, these advancements come with concerns about reliability, ethical implications, and potential over-reliance. In the book, AI is a powerful but imperfect tool. One that, despite its speed and efficiency, requires careful oversight and human judgment. This theme is especially relevant today as the Army invests millions into AI integration, hoping to harness its capabilities while remaining vigilant against its risks.

Quantum computing is another technology poised to make waves in national defense. By exponentially increasing the speed at which data can be processed, quantum computing could offer unprecedented insights into enemy movements, secure communications, and predictive analytics. However, as with AI, the challenges of implementing quantum computing are significant. Cybersecurity, for example, will need to evolve to counter the capabilities that quantum computing affords both us and our adversaries. Through the story, I explore how quantum technology might be used in future conflicts, particularly in intelligence and cybersecurity, providing readers with a glimpse of the advantages and vulnerabilities that come with this advancement.

Lastly, there is the issue of autonomous drones, a technology that has already become a reality. The recent conflict in Ukraine has shown the devastating potential of drones on the battlefield. In the book, drones play a critical role in shaping the battlespace, highlighting both their effectiveness and the ethical questions they raise. As drones become more advanced and accessible, the need for regulations and countermeasures grows. The novel underscores this complexity, illustrating how drone technology can be a double-edged sword, capable of both protecting and endangering lives.

By exploring these technologies within a fictional framework, I help readers consider the strategic, ethical, and operational questions that come with each advancement. Fiction allows for a depth of exploration that straightforward analysis often cannot achieve, bringing to life the stakes and emotions tied to these decisions.

Supporting the Harding Project: A Call to Write

One of my other motivations for writing was to support the Harding Project, an initiative led by General George, Chief of Staff of the Army, to promote professional writing across the force. Writing has long been a tool for military professionals to share insights, debate ideas, and contribute to the Army’s continuous development. The Harding Project recognizes that every soldier, regardless of rank or experience, has valuable insights to offer.

Over the years, I have written articles on topics such as communication, emerging technology, and human-machine teaming. Writing a novel was a natural extension of this work, allowing me to explore similar themes in a format that encourages imagination and speculation. Through this book, I hope to reach a wider audience and inspire others in the military to share their ideas, whether through articles, reports, or fiction. Every voice adds to the collective knowledge and resilience of the Army, and Quantum Dagger is my contribution to this ongoing conversation.

Inspiring Others to Tell Their Stories

While this book is my story, it is part of a much larger conversation. The Army faces a range of challenges that require innovative thinking and fresh perspectives. By sharing my thoughts and predictions through fiction, I hope to encourage others to write as well. Whether you’re interested in strategy, technology, leadership, or logistics, there is an audience eager to hear your story. Writing allows us to contribute to the Army’s legacy, preserving insights that may inspire the next generation of leaders.

For those who feel hesitant about writing, remember that your perspectives matter. Whether you’re a young lieutenant or a seasoned senior NCO, your experiences and insights are unique. Writing a novel, article, or blog post gives you a voice in the Army’s ongoing dialogue. By contributing to this conversation, you not only clarify your own thinking but also help others understand and prepare for the complexities of modern warfare.

The Future of Military Storytelling

Quantum Dagger represents my contribution to the future of military storytelling, but it is far from the final word. The challenges and questions posed in the novel are open-ended, inviting readers to reflect on their own views of technology, strategy, and the future battlefield. Through fiction, I wanted to create a space for critical thought, allowing readers to engage with complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

As we move forward, I encourage everyone in the military community to consider sharing their experiences and perspectives, whether through non-fiction analysis or creative storytelling. Together, our stories create a richer understanding of the Army’s role in an ever-changing world, equipping us to face the unknown with resilience and insight. I hope this book inspires you to tell your own story and contribute to the Army’s push into the future.

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Lieutenant Colonel Tom Gaines is the ACoS G6 for 1st Special Forces Command. His writing on human creativity, decision-making, and technology can be found in Harvard Business Review and at West Point’s Modern War Institute.

As the Voice of the Veteran Community, The Havok Journal seeks to publish a variety of perspectives on a number of sensitive subjects. Unless specifically noted otherwise, nothing we publish is an official point of view of The Havok Journal or any part of the U.S. government.