What emerging technologies or innovations in the military sector are you most excited about?

2023-09-08T10:55:41-04:00

Hey RallyPoint Community,

As we look ahead to the future of military technology, it's clear that we are on the cusp of some groundbreaking innovations that will reshape the way our armed forces operate. From AI-powered drones to advanced cyber warfare capabilities, the possibilities seem endless.

Whether it's a specific piece of equipment, a new strategy, or a revolutionary breakthrough in defense technology, share your thoughts below!

Here are a few discussion starters:

Artificial Intelligence in Warfare: How do you envision AI transforming the battlefield? What are the potential advantages and challenges?

Hypersonic Missiles: The development of hypersonic missiles has been a hot topic. How might these game-changing weapons impact modern warfare?

Space Force: With the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, what do you see as the most critical missions and challenges for this new branch?

Cybersecurity and Hybrid Warfare: As cyber threats continue to evolve, how can our military stay ahead in the realm of cybersecurity?

Bioengineering and Soldier Enhancement: What ethical and practical considerations come into play when discussing the enhancement of soldiers through biotechnology?

Renewable Energy in the Military: How can renewable energy sources like solar and wind power be integrated into military operations to increase sustainability and efficiency?

Nanotechnology and Materials Science: Are there any specific advancements in materials science or nanotechnology that you believe will revolutionize military gear and equipment?

Remember, the future of military tech affects us all, and your unique perspectives as military professionals are invaluable.

Response by CPT Robert Madore made Sep 8 at 2023 11:18 AM

2023-09-08T11:18:56-04:00

Future wars will be won before any shots are fired or bombs or missiles are used. The victor will be the one who disabled the loser's ability to use its electronic defenses.
The winner will cripple the enemy's internal systems such as water, sewer, electricity, communications, and other internal systems.
Since all countries are moving to AI-controlled utilities, weapons will become obsolete.
High-tech countries will become the most vulnerable.
Emerging 3rd world country dictators will become the greatest threats.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Sep 8 at 2023 11:21 AM

2023-09-08T11:21:29-04:00

Space Force will be interesting as its mission continues to become more defined. I could see the military astronaut program evolving and providing more opportunities for our more technical experts.

For Soldier enhancement, I would also include cybernetic development. As soon as research cracks the hardware to wetware interface (perhaps a few decades away if not sooner), we should see expanded options for Soldier Enhancement and the return to the battlefield of some of our capable wounded warriors.

I am also excited about composite materials research including the prospect of lighter and stronger armor for both vehicles and Soldiers including self healing panels. Perhaps, in conjunction with cybernetics and bio-mechanical interface we might see lightweight full armor suits that protect against ballistics, environment, and provide communications and HUD of critical information.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Sep 8 at 2023 5:02 PM

2023-09-08T17:02:30-04:00

The most exciting technology that has not yet been fully developed is the Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (TMSR). This is nuclear power. MSR's are Generation IV and are as safe as your local highway. Thorium is a safe fuel (it's about as radioactive as a banana), and abundant (several times more than Uranium). The TMSR produce less bomb-great materiel, and some of the reaction products can be reused (in other words, it eats its own wastes). Full development is within the budget capabilities of an ACAT I program.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Sep 9 at 2023 12:35 AM

2023-09-09T00:35:40-04:00

This question reminds me of similar tech questions asked some years ago regarding designing the Army of 2040 and delivering the Army of 2030, led by Futures Command. IMO, the next generation of software-defined radios (SDRs) and advancing the waveforms will significantly enable cyberspace operations. Think about all the other innovations mentioned above that involve "software". As these innovations unfold, interlace and enmesh together, and enable greater capabilities, we can see SDRs and waveforms doubling in capability and capacity every two years (Moore's Law has been proven since 1965). All five operational domains are inherently interdependent and the Joint Force’s ability to operate effectively within the cyberspace domain is the vital thread that interconnects operations in and across the other four domains. I think generation after generation of SDRs and waveforms is going to be a critical enabling capability for employing many of these other innovative tech developments.