DARPA idea on remote sensing has wider potential

(This article first appeared on the Joint Recon Study Group site.)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has put out a request for proposals to develop a "Comprehensive Interior Reconnaissance" technological sensing system.

Such a system would be able to collect information about and map the interior of buildings, including walls, doors, plumbing, electrical, ventilation and other common features.

This would have obvious value in urban combat, hostage rescue and similar operations.

Could aspects of "transcendent warfare" concepts also provide non-technological assets along these lines? Could human "biosensor" and "anomalous cognition (AC)" methods be developed and deployed?

HUNCHES, INTUITION AND AC

Anomalous cognition is an umbrella term of sorts that includes various kinds of human perception, awareness and skills that we typically think of as unconventional, such as our "sixth sense."

However, scientific research and military/intelligence operational experiences tell us that AC is probably very natural for humans and it can be used productively in various capacities.

The most notable activity involving AC is probably Project STARGATE which was funded and coordinated by U.S. military and intelligence services during the 1970s, '80s and '90s. This project used a particular detailed protocol for gathering information remotely.

Other aspects of AC are things average people experience everyday: hunches, intuition, gut feelings and the like. These aspects of human awareness and perception can probably be enhanced through education, training and understanding.

The science and research in fields like physics and psychology, when it comes to AC, seem to tell us that we all have the ability to tap into and improve skills along these lines.

They can help us in our daily lives with loved ones, in our jobs and in keeping safe in our communities.

Do we get a worried feeling about a relative? Maybe we should give them a call to see how they are doing.

Does a certain job offer sound like a good idea? Maybe we should follow our hunch that it will pan-out in a good way.

Do we sense danger in a location or from a certain person or persons? Maybe our gut instincts on this situation should be explored and examined.

In the case of the DARPA interest in remote sensing and mapping of buildings, can U.S. troops or special operations personnel be trained to optimize natural AC perceptions?

Maybe they could use situational awareness, supplemented by enhanced AC and other perception and intelligence, to sense that an enemy sniper could be on the roof of a building. Maybe they could sense fearful innocent women and children in the back room of the second floor.

Sounds impossible? Not really.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A large body of reliable research indicates that humans do have these kinds of natural abilities. Some people, for whatever reason, may have better skills than others, just like some people have better talents in music, athletics or other endeavors.

Research and experience also indicates that through education, training and practice, AC sensing skills can be improved. How far can they be improved and in what environments can they be effective?

Can U.S. troops be trained to sense an improvised explosive device (IED) on the side of the road 50 yards ahead? Maybe. Past research and development on the subject of AC indicates this is possible.

What can be done to get U.S. personnel, and all of us, up to speed on the potential of AC?

Would it be helpful to develop educational programs and training videos? How about college psychology classes that explore the subject? Maybe public safety professionals should also receive orientations on this subject.

In many ways, we are already doing this. Community peace officers tell school kids about "stranger danger." Stay away from people who you don't feel good about. Listen to your feelings and tell an adult if something doesn't seem right about a stranger, officers tell young kids.

It is simply taking our usual situational awareness and normal perception to the next level, using our sixth sense.

DARPA and other funding groups, organizations of many kinds and average people might all be able to make greater use of AC in a variety of settings and for many kinds of situations.

AC is a free, low-tech, natural resource that is available to all of us and may be very helpful as we deal with a wide variety of challenges and opportunities.

NOTE TO READERS: For more information, click here to visit the Joint Recon Study Group and Transcendent TV & Media sites and have a look around.

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