The Moral Imperative of Our Time
Wayne Hall, a retired US Army Brigadier General and seasoned intelligence officer, brings over 54 years of experience in intelligence operations and strategic warfare. He provides innovative solutions to intelligence challenges in government and corporate domains, specializing in intelligence analysis, collection, and asymmetric warfare.
Wayne Hall offers red teaming and devil’s advocate services to refine plans, papers, projects, theses, and dissertations, and provides virtual mentorship to enhance thinking and planning processes. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska (BS), Kansas State University (MS), US Army Command and General Staff College (MMAS), and The George Washington University (Ed.D.).
As an author, he has written six influential books, including Stray Voltage: War in the Information Age and Intelligence Analysis: How to Think in Complex Environments. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in intelligence and strategic warfare.
MIKE HALL ON THE MORAL IMPERATIVE OF OUR TIME
The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.
During this episode, Dr. Wayne “Mike” Hall discusses his latest capstone book: the Moral Imperative of Our Time-Purposeful Intellectual Growth. According to Mike, America’s intellect is sharply declining; he implores national security leaders to address this problem immediately by: 1) improving individual learning, 2) promoting organizational learning, and 3) encouraging intellectual mentoring. Satisfying these callings is the moral imperative. Mike also discusses other important themes such as: will, incorporating information and cognition as warfighting domains, how to think in today’s fight, non-linearity and complex systems, anticipation compared to prediction, and the importance of initial conditions, and unity of effort.
Portal to an Intellectual Odyssey
This book is intended for those military leaders either already well invested in national security sense-making or those who are about to become one. While a capstone to Mike Hall’s earlier works, his most recent treatise is also arguably the best place to start in approaching the “intellectual high country” he extensively explored elsewhere. Here the book begins as the author did while a young Army field grade officer, pondering the significance of one of the most deadly and yet tragically indecisive clashes in history, the 1916 Battle of Verdun. This narrative opens the portal to a far more complete and nuanced comprehension of war, warfare, and the nature of human will, focusing on the role of the mind in grasping its essential ideas. As the chapters unspool the author’s views on how to think—and think deeply—about war, the reader is immersed in two parallel paths of an intellectual odyssey. One is the author’s, but the other is of the reader’s creation, one which compels further questioning to seek an even greater understanding. It’s only fitting that the book ends with two chapters oriented on questions; those of a novice intelligence analyst questioning a master, and those of a master-as-mentor questioning an apprentice protégé.
Those impatient to get definitive and unambiguous answers to the knotty questions posed by the book will likely find themselves frustrated. The Moral Imperative of Our Time does not aim at what to think, but how to think. Mike Hall wants his readers to be most concerned about the quality of their intellectual journey, subscribing to a personal mission to seek out the truth that far transcends what so frequently litters the intellectual wasteland in America today.
Eric M. Walters
Colonel
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired
THE MORAL IMPERATIVE OF OUR TIME—PURPOSEFUL INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
In this pivotal work, Hall emphasizes the critical role of artificial intelligence and modern technology in shaping strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness. He argues for the integration of leaders’ thinking with advanced technology to achieve superior flexibility and adaptability in all domains of war. By treating information and cognition as warfighting domains, Hall contends that America can reclaim its position as a global leader in innovation and strategic thought.
Hall challenges readers to reconsider their views on intellectual growth, highlighting the importance of developing both individual and collaborative intellects to combat misinformation and misleading strategies. His book offers practical recommendations for promoting intellectual development in both military and civilian settings. Key tactics include cultivating thought leaders within military organizations, rethinking military education to prioritize higher-level thinking, and constantly refining the concept of “how to think.”
“The Moral Imperative of Our Time” also introduces the idea of adding two new domains—information and cognition—to current military doctrine. Hall believes these strategies will enhance society’s ability to out-think enemies, ensuring that decisions, supported by technology, remain superior to those of adversaries. He explores the significance of “will” in conflict, demonstrating its critical role in achieving strategic advantages.
The book provides an in-depth analysis of different conflict philosophies, strategic operations, and insights into potential future hostilities. Hall’s concept of “matrix war”—the dynamic and flexible use of dispersed resources—illustrates innovative approaches to modern warfare.
Structured with a foreword by retired Colonel James K. Greer, a prologue, epilogue, and five comprehensive essays, the book is designed to guide readers through a thorough examination of analytical thinking in contemporary conflicts. Additional resources such as an index, bibliography, and abstracts enhance the book’s readability and utility.
“The Moral Imperative of Our Time” is a vital resource for strategists, policymakers, and military experts. It addresses broader societal implications of intellectual progress, advocating for a national security doctrine that integrates information and cognitive domains and adds a fourth level of war—strategic (policy/political).
Brigadier General Wayne Michael Hall’s extensive career and post-retirement contributions, including consulting for Joint Forces Command and leading advanced analysis seminars, have cemented his reputation as an authority on intelligence analysis and military strategy. His previous works have significantly impacted military and corporate strategic thinking.
This essential read equips individuals with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate and overcome the complexities of modern society and conflict, ensuring a future where strategic thinking and technological integration secure global leadership and national security.
Mike—Your book is for sure a Ph.D. level or above deep insight and exploitation into the mystery of thinking and decision-making. Sad part is, as you have implied and perceived, few have the intellectual capacity and most importantly discipline, competence and diligence to utilize your study of our magnificent minds to go through the thinking process in such detail and specificity. I certainly do not see it in our elected officials as the dumbing down of America seems to gain traction at the delight of the Russian and Chinese authoritarian so-called leaders. It seems that thinking and decision-making are focused on profit and self-esteem for reelection as the driving factors. Certainly little cost analysis, risk, and potential branches and sequels seem to be a part of the process.
Thanks for your professionalism all of these years, writing and publications attempting to assist our military leaders and others in key positions on how to use their minds and improve their thinking.
Richard E. Allenbaugh
Colonel
US Army, Retired