How the US Military is Using Computer Technology
Over the years, computers have evolved into so much more than what they were originally meant to be used for. No longer are they just for computing numbers. Today’s computers allow us to reach across the world, perform important tasks, and even administer missiles into another country.
The uses for a computer are endless when you have the technology to back it up. The military is a big proponent of computer use, as it is has made a soldier’s job easier and more effective over the years.
The benefits of using computers have affected the military and the country in numerous ways, providing fewer risks, more accuracy, and fewer costs to consider. Having so much technology on their side allows the military to make better decisions about how to proceed when performing duties to protect our country.
Most of the following computing tools use an embedded PC, which is a computer system capable of controlling other peripherals and is able to control the functions of larger mechanical and electrical systems.
Improved and More Effective Communication
Decades before computers were available, the military would use Morse code to communicate back and forth. This was a very difficult process to learn, and communication could sometimes be misinterpreted by soldiers or even intercepted by rebel forces. Code breaking, known today as crypt-analysis, was far easier when Morse code was used as the primary form of communication.
photo by Scott A. Thornbloom
According to the book “Military Communications: From Ancient Times to the 21st Century,” before computer technology success in war often came down to who was able to break codes.
With the help of computers, communication is much more secret between officers, men in combat, and those in training. Additionally, communication during training exercises help soldiers navigate difficult, true-to-life training scenarios.
Robotic Animals Support Troops
The Legged Squad Support System (LS3) introduced by DARPA is one of the most popular technologies the military is currently working on. These robotic animals are being created to help support combat and troops specifically. Right now, they are able to travel about 75% of where troops can go. These will be a big asset in military functions allowing for fewer risks when it comes to putting troops on the ground.
Improved Shooting Accuracy
The use of self-calculating scopes is on the rise. The special scope is placed on the barrel of a gun and calculates the precise range to give a sniper more accuracy. This helps keep the sniper further out of reach so that they are not in harm’s way. This can help prevent misses and allow snipers to get their job done quickly and more effectively.
Advances in Self-Guided Bullets
Very similar to the self-calculating scope, DARPA is also currently working on bullets that can change direction mid-flight. Once a bullet has been shot, it is very common for the target to change positions. This makes it very to miss your intended target putting you at risk. Instead, shooters are able to still capture their target even when the target moves using these bullets.
Keeping other countries from obtaining military secrets is of the utmost importance, as is improving our ability to hold our own in an ever-increasing technology-driven world. In order to do this, the military uses advanced embedded PC systems, which allows them to protect the country with more accuracy, precision, and safety for our soldiers.
