Using robotics to fight wars is a disturbing reality
Science fiction is becoming a reality. The U.S. military has about 7,000 unmanned drones in operation, which is more than double the number of manned aircraft in use.
Many of the Predator and Reaper drones that regularly bomb suspected targets in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are operated by soldiers at the Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. This method of killing human beings is similar to what occurs in many violent video games. In addition, more than 12,000 ground robots are being used.
Currently, there are four ways our country fights wars:
1. The traditional method is through the use of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. This group has been greatly reduced. They are lean and mean; their focus is combat.
2. Mercenaries like Blackwater and Triple Canopy are contracted for special functions, e.g., security guards, construction, food preparation and truck driving. Donald Rumsfeld began emphasizing this sector early in the Bush administration.
3. The National Guard is extensively utilized. Units are made up of men and women from the same communities. There is more cohesion among these soldiers than if they were drawn from all parts of the nation. It is easier to unite communities that will support the troops, and allows wars to be fought over longer periods of time. It also reduces the public outcry that would otherwise be critical of prolonged wars. The last time troops were used in this manner was in the Civil War.
4. Robotics is the newest element and was nonexistent 15 years ago. The robotics business is booming, and many universities have robotics labs through the Department of Defense.
Are any of you disturbed by the use of robotics?
It makes war too easy. As the number of soldiers coming home in body bags is reduced, the politicians are more prone to involve us in terrible wars. The public is no longer directly involved.
The toll on civilians in war zones will continue to increase from the current 90 percent of war deaths. This fact increases the threat of retaliation against U.S. civilian centers.
Much of the information used for this letter comes from Eric Stoner, “Robot Wars: Science fiction is becoming science reality,” WIN Magazine (The War Resisters League, Spring, 2009, Volume 26, No. 2, pages 12-14).
