Technology has revolutionized the practice of military engagement. In years past, military strength was measured by sheer manpower, but today's military depends on technology.
Since World War I, the tank has been one of the major components of the modern battle force. The United States' most recent tank is the M1A2/Abrams. It weighs nearly 69 tons and can reach a top speed of 42 m.p.h. Nevertheless, this huge mass of metal and armor is extremely sophisticated.
The tank is fitted with a laser range finder, which detects the target's position. Then, the on-board computer determines the correct elevation and angle of the gun. The crew of four can hit up to six targets in a minute as far as two and a half miles away.
As amazing as that may be, there are improvements to come. According to \The Department of Defense Almanac,"" there are 1,100 people working to create the Army's next tank. The primary goals of this 40-ton concept include reducing the interior volume and making the system as small as possible. The prototype is two-thirds as tall as the M1A2 and requires a crew of two.
It is also about 29 tons lighter than the M1A2, allowing it to be air-lifted to face the enemy within hours, instead of spending days in shipment. Actual use of this tank, however, is probably five to 10 years away.
Even when infantry soldiers leave their vehicles, they can rely on smart technology. For the first time, soldiers' equipment is being designed as an integrated platform. The personal weapons system, called Land Warrior, consists of an improved ballistic helmet along with modular body armor and a new load-carrying vest.
Land Warrior's integrated global positioning system will allow a soldier to get a digital map on his helmet-mounted heads-up display, a pull-down viewing monocle. With the system's wireless networking features, soldiers will be able to see their positions relative to their comrades and the terrain. Even the soldier's M-4 rifle is integrated, with such capabilities as an infrared viewer and digital camera.
Some UW-Madison students doubt the potential of all this technology. They believe that it can take the reality and seriousness out of warfare. Sophomore Daniel Miller is among these.
""Laser technology and guidance systems can make things more precise, but relying on a computer can take the responsibility out of mistakes,"" Miller said. ""Computer-controlled mistakes like misguided missiles that hit civilians in Afghanistan or a tank that misidentifies a target can make collateral damage easier to bear. I don't think students realize how serious these 'mistakes' can be.""
However, others like UW-Madison junior Jocelyn Pattner contend that technology is necessary, regardless of its moral implications.
""Military technology has a tremendous effect on our lives,"" Pattner said. ""People don't appreciate how important it is'U.S. superiority is just expected. If we aren't up-to-date, how on Earth can we win a war?""
It is key to remember that all the best computer technology still is not a substitute for the computer between a soldier's ears. For it is ultimately the soldier who has the best discretion when it comes to action. The soldiers of the future will use a combination of intelligence, intuition and state-of-the-art technology, but they must also remember the consequences of their decisions.
