From a military standpoint, what is considered more important than a high degree of fidelity?

From a military standpoint, intelligibility is considered more important than a high degree of fidelity because clear and understandable communication is crucial in operational settings. In situations where decisions need to be made quickly and accurately, the ability to convey and interpret messages effectively takes precedence. Intelligibility ensures that the recipients of the communication comprehend the information being relayed, which can impact mission success.

Fidelity, or the accuracy and detail of the transmitted information, is certainly significant, especially in contexts where nuanced data matters. However, in the heat of operations, if the message isn't intelligible, even highly detailed data can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and potentially disastrous outcomes. Thus, providing messages that can be quickly understood—even if they lack some fidelity—is paramount in military communication.