A fully autonomous Army? What are the implications?

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:26:24 -0400

With UAV's and moving forward with ground versions now at what point will we actually remove humans from warfare? And to what end? Once all the drones are killed we'll still have to fight each other right? Or are these just implements to assist soldiers on the battlefield?

http://defensetech.org/2015/05/12/ripsaw-ugv-can-reload-itself-in-a-fight/

Ripsaw UGV Can Reload Itself in a Fight

Army weapons officials recently showed off its latest effort at arming an unmanned vehicle to keep soldiers safer on the battlefield. The Ripsaw unmanned ground vehicle, though still in development...

Response by SGT David T. made May 20 at 2015 11:36 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:36:24 -0400

I think that removing the human from the equation is detrimental because humans can make moral judgement calls that machines cannot.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 20 at 2015 12:12 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:12:50 -0400

Citizens are a check & balance in War.

Response by SSG(P) Auston Terry made May 20 at 2015 12:38 PM

SSG(P) Auston Terry — Wed, 20 May 2015 12:38:48 -0400

There is a fundamental difference between drones, and autonomy and the unmanned systems currently in use by US forces. Drones by definition are able to perform "without human control" the term has been latched onto in casual and media use but isn't accurate. That's just my professional issue with the term drone. The use of RPAs (UAV/S) and UGVs will always supplement and never supplant humans in warfare. There have been some pretty solid UGV concepts that had nothing to do with actual combat and focused on combat support; like the MULE and MUTT. Both were focused on reducing the carried load of dismounted infantry without reducing the ability of those men to remain hydrated, fed, and munitioned. The technology used in UGVs for combat, like Ripsaw, can and will be adapted to automate functions on manned vehicles. Reducing the exposure of turret gunners while increasing the view and effectiveness of the remote turret for example. Or active interdiction of RPGs and ATMs on all vehicles.

Ultimately it is my personal belief that unmanned systems lack the capability to replace human fighters and will continue to in our lifetime. I think actual drones with the abilities we currently have which are essentially recon and surveillance, minesweeping (land and sea) and ASW are at least that far off.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 4:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 16:13:43 -0400

I'm all good with it until they become self-aware...