I strongly support the call to greatly expand our human

In times of threat and danger, it is the strength of knowledge and the precision of intelligence that can turn the tide. Jim Ramstad’s words, “I strongly support the call to greatly expand our human intelligence capability to penetrate al Qaeda and gather critical intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks on our homeland,” speak to the deep necessity of wisdom and foresight in ensuring the security of a nation. The intelligence Ramstad refers to is not merely a matter of gathering information, but of developing an intricate understanding of the enemy, so that we might act before the threat materializes, preserving the safety of the innocent. This call for expanding human intelligence is a call for vigilance, for a dedication to preemptive action, and for the commitment to a future where terrorism does not find a foothold.

In the ancient world, great civilizations understood that their survival often rested on the strength of their intelligence networks. The Romans, for example, built one of the most extensive intelligence networks the world had ever seen. Their success in conquering vast territories and maintaining control over diverse peoples was not only due to their military might but also their ability to gather information—whether through spies, informants, or reconnaissance. The emperor’s spies would gather crucial information, often hidden in plain sight, to predict and neutralize threats. The Romans knew that to stay ahead of their enemies, they had to constantly expand their intelligence capabilities. Ramstad’s words echo this ancient understanding: it is the power of information that ensures the strength of a nation.

The Greek historian Thucydides also understood the importance of intelligence in warfare. In his recounting of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides speaks of how the Athenians and Spartans each relied on spies and intelligence networks to anticipate the moves of their enemies. The power of information was a constant theme in Thucydides' work, underscoring the role of intelligence in strategy. Yet, the success of intelligence depended not only on its acquisition but on its application. Those who could interpret and act on intelligence effectively were the ones who gained the upper hand. In this same way, Ramstad’s call to expand human intelligence speaks to the need for greater resources and focus on using intelligence to predict, identify, and prevent threats before they become reality.

Consider the legendary tale of Hannibal Barca, one of history’s greatest military minds. During the Second Punic War, Hannibal, who had the ability to read his enemy’s moves and use intelligence to his advantage, crossed the Alps to launch a surprise attack on Rome. His insight into Roman movements and his ability to stay several steps ahead of his enemies was crucial in his early victories. However, as the Romans expanded their intelligence network and adapted their strategies, Hannibal’s advantage gradually diminished. In the end, it was Rome’s superior intelligence that led to Hannibal’s defeat. Ramstad’s call to expand intelligence capabilities is a reminder that in any conflict, whether physical or ideological, the ability to gather and act upon critical intelligence determines who wins and who loses.

In more recent history, the events of September 11, 2001, starkly revealed the limitations of intelligence sharing between agencies in the United States. Before the attacks, various intelligence agencies had gathered pieces of information, but poor communication and fragmentation of efforts allowed those pieces to remain disconnected, and the threat went unrecognized until it was too late. The 911 Commission Report highlighted the failure to integrate intelligence across agencies, and since then, there has been a continuous push to enhance and expand the intelligence community to ensure such a catastrophic failure would never occur again. Ramstad’s call reflects this critical need to improve human intelligence and collaboration in order to prevent future attacks—acting before the threat becomes too great to confront.

The lesson from Ramstad’s quote is clear: knowledge is power, and the ability to gather, interpret, and act upon intelligence is a matter of life and death in today’s complex, globalized world. But it is not enough to simply have information; we must also be able to connect the dots, predict outcomes, and take action swiftly. Much like the ancient civilizations that understood the importance of intelligence networks, we too must invest in the systems that will protect us, ensuring that we are not caught unaware when the threats of the future arise.

In your own life, the principle of vigilance and foresight holds true. Whether in your personal safety, career, or relationships, the ability to anticipate challenges and act proactively is crucial. Ramstad’s emphasis on expanding intelligence capabilities can be applied beyond the realm of national security: we must be continually aware of the forces that shape our world and actively prepare ourselves for the unexpected. By expanding our awareness, improving our ability to analyze situations, and anticipating problems before they arise, we become stronger, more resilient, and more capable of facing whatever comes our way.

Let the call for expanded intelligence in national security remind you to seek knowledge, to be vigilant, and to act with foresight in all areas of your life. Just as nations must prepare for the unknown, so too must we build the wisdom and awareness to meet the challenges of life with strength and resolve.