New warfighting platforms do not spring full-grown from their technical roots. They may appear initially as interesting oddities, such as the first submarines. They may even start as "enablers," such as aviation's early reconnaissance balloons. Eventually, though, in the hands of innovative operators they turn a corner to realize their full potential: they become formidable warfighting platforms, which must be vigorously defended, as well as employed to strike adversaries when needed. When a technology becomes a full-fledged warfighting platform, it does not abandon its initial purpose;...