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Modern Advancements of Military Technologies
The advancements of technology in the military sector have aided military operations tremendously over the past decade. These new military technologies have made combat power not only more effective but also safer for those preforming operations in and out of country. Along with the technology advancements, the use of outsourced contractors has been abundantly utilized by the US Department of Defense.
Military technology and warfighting have improved drastically from fighting in the trenches to now being able to complete a combat mission for the safety of a shelter, controlling an unmanned ariel vehicle. These UAVs, also known as drones, are able to provide important operational intelligence with advanced cameras and radar systems [1]. This alone is a major advancement; more importantly however, this vital information can be gathered safely and virtually undetected by the intended target below. Having a drone shot down and destroyed is not a loss compared to that of a human life that could be lost collecting information on the ground. This technology is critical in modern military operations; however, the main disadvantage is the lasting phycological trauma drone operators face after their missions are completed. It is noted that these operators typically cannot work this job for long periods and end up resorting to behavioral health for PTSD, sadness, and anxiety [2]. These operators go to work in the United States flying combat drones around the world, where they may take human life during their missions. At the end of the day, they go home to their family and have no way of processing their usual day at work, making these side effects worse.
The Department of Defense has been heavily utilizing outsourced contractors to provide security and needed skilled professionals to military organizations. These contracts are critical for military operations because the contractors fill logistics and operational support roles within operations [3]. The main disadvantage to these outsourced laborer’s is the high price the government pays for them. In the case of the Blackwater Worldwide company, who provided security for the US Ambassador J. Paul Bremer, the contract was approximately $27 million dollars [4]. This is a substantial amount of money for American taxpayers, especially when there are many special force units within the military that could provide the same security detail. Another outstanding disadvantage is the liability the US government is taking using these companies. For example, Blackwater Worldwide was responsible for 195 unnecessary escalation of force incidents during the Iraq War [5]. Since these contractors do not fall under the same rigorous rules and regulations of military law, it is apparent they are not trained and negligent in high stress situations.
Both of these advancements’ aide the United States in political military objectives. The main political objective being to sustain democracy and “Make the world safe for democracy” [6]. This objective will me met no matter the means, whether it is overpriced outsourced contracted labor or in the sky. The political objective will always stay the same, the morality of the UAV technology is questionable. No country wants war but must prepare and be constantly able to protect their civilians and allies if necessary. In typical combat operations the means in which a target is eliminated essentially face to face. Drones change this from eliminating targets and persons with a remote control, it was stated that “there’s no downside to killing by drones” [7]. This technology does promote safety for the operators using the equipment, but the use of the UAV is a moral grey area for military operations.
The battlefield is changing, and modernization and outsourcing is needed if any military wants to be successful in their operations. However, with these advancements the negative side effects are outstanding and should not be ignored. Military contractors fill a need and provide a specialized skills to operations. The cost to the American taxpayer is far too high especially with the large liability they present with their operational negligence. UAVs are vital to collecting intelligence from a safe distance and have drastically improved safety in conducting these operations. The lasting repercussions of the operators of this equipment is life changing and there is no possible solution to combat this problem. No matter the battlefield “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”, (John 15:13).
[1] Urcosta, R., “The revolution of drone warfare”, Pg. 58.
[2] Saini, R., Raju, M., Chail, A., “Cry in the sky”.
[3] Guttieri, K., Franke, V., “Understanding Complex Military Operations”, Ch 6., Pg. 89.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Guttieri, K., Franke, V., “Understanding Complex Military Operations”, Ch 6., Pg. 90.
[6] Snow, D., Drew, D. “From Lexington to Baghdad”, Ch. 12., Pg. 289.
[7] Strawser, B. “The morality of drone warfare”.
Bibliography:
Guttieri, K., Franke, V., & Civic, M. (2014). Understanding Complex Military Operations: A case study approach. ROUTLEDGE N. Y.
Saini, R., Raju, M., & Chail, A. (2021, October). Cry in the sky: Psychological impact on drone operators. Industrial psychiatry journal. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8611566/
Snow, D., Drew, D. (2010). From Lexington to Baghdad and Beyond, War and Politics in the American Experience, 2d. ed. New York: Routledge
Strawser, B. (2012, August 6). The morality of drone warfare revisited | Bradley Strawser. The Guardian. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/aug/06/morality-drone-warfare-revisited
Urcosta, R. (2020). The revolution in drone warfare – The Lessons from the Idlib De-Escalation Zone. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://media.defense.gov/2020/Aug/31/2002487583/-1/-1/1/URCOSTA.PDF