Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. (April 15, 2024)  In past wars, “signals intelligence” involved the relatively simple task of monitoring enemy radio and teletype transmissions. Today, the military must “sense” multiple enemy signals, from cell phone traffic to heat plumes, to give commanders a comprehensive view of the battlefield. In this photo by Staff Sergeant Samuel Ruiz, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Angel Garcia, an electronic signals intelligence analyst with 3rd Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, sets up a field expedient antenna during Corvus Dawn 24 exercises.

During the war games, the Marines rehearsed collecting simulated enemy electronic signals while reducing their own “footprint.” The 3rd Radio Battalion is a highly skilled team of specialized signals intelligence and electronic warfare experts who provide targeting assistance and electronic surveillance to unit commanders. These teams operate what is called a “Kill Web,” a network that seamlessly integrates intelligence and warfare capabilities on land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

The Kill Web “senses” an adversary’s presence, tracks their intricate movements and intentions, and gives commanders the “best option” to defeat the threat. The key is to make these assessments and deliver these targeting options at “combat speed” to commanders who are making tasking decisions.

Besides giving commanders multiple options to respond to a threat, the Kill Web also lets multiple services share intelligence at a depth and speed unheard even a few years ago. Unlike in past wars, today every conceivable signal must be collected, interpreted, analyzed, and shared in near real time.