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The purpose of military action has constantly evolved over history, for a variety of reasons among which the technical factor plays an undisputed role. Communication has become essential for battle conduct and has a profound influence on the purpose of the action. This is where information technology comes in: it too has radically changed the communication function. We can make out three successive stages here (cyber, numerical and digital), which all affect or will affect operating procedures. And, as is only logical, they will transform the purpose of the action, whether it concerns the achievement of operational objectives or the emergence of new ethics issues. The distinction between a private sphere and a professional sphere is fast disappearing, and this will have definite consequences on battle conduct. Likewise, the accelerated development of artificial intelligences will very soon pose serious questions about the responsibility of the commanding officer and his main quality: decision-making. It is high time we started asking questions.