OPINION:
When Americans hear “peace through strength” or “the next arms race,” quantum computing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But the technologies being developed today will help determine whether our military maintains its edge tomorrow.
For decades, America’s military advantage has depended on the strength of our warfighters and our ability to develop and deploy technology before our adversaries. That is just as true today as it was when radar and GPS transformed warfare.
The next technological shift is already underway. While artificial intelligence is getting much of the attention, quantum technology could fundamentally change how our military communicates and protects sensitive information.
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Quantum technology is more than just quantum computers. It includes quantum sensing, quantum networking and quantum-enabled artificial intelligence. These technologies could eventually help the military solve complex problems, improve navigation, strengthen communications and tackle challenges that conventional computers cannot.
History has shown us what happens when technology changes the battlefield. The United States did not wait until World War II was underway to begin developing radar. We did not wait for the Cold War to fully take shape before investing in space technology. And we did not wait for our adversaries to demonstrate the full potential of the internet before building the networks that helped establish American technological leadership.
Military readiness means preparing before the threat arrives. That is why I introduced the Army Quantum Readiness Act, H.R. 10130. The legislation would establish a Quantum Readiness and Advanced Computing Initiative within the United States Army focused on preparing to integrate these technologies into future operations.
The Army needs to understand the infrastructure these technologies will require, develop a workforce with the skills to operate these systems, and identify acquisition pathways. Just as importantly, the Army needs to test capabilities like post-quantum cybersecurity and resilient networking before they become urgent requirements.
North Carolina will play an important role in this effort. Our state is home to a growing defense technology ecosystem, a significant military presence, and world-class research institutions. North Carolina State University’s Quantum Initiative, in partnership with the University of North Carolina system and IBM, is advancing research and innovation in emerging technologies. We have the talent, institutions, and innovative capacity needed to help build the workforce and develop the technologies America will need to maintain its national defense capabilities for the future.
We know technology will continue to change how wars are fought. We know our adversaries are investing in that future. And we know military readiness requires preparation before a capability becomes a necessity.
America has never maintained its technological edge by waiting to see what happens next.
We must invest, innovate and prepare now so that our military is ready before the next generation of warfare arrives.
• Rep. Tim Moore represents North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District and is a member of the House Committees on Financial Services and the Budget. He previously served as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives for a decade. A lifelong resident of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Congressman Moore earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992 and his Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1995.
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