The Drone Wars

SteamWake · 10-12-09, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MothBalls

So I wonder how long before someone decides a computer can fly the drones better than a human can. Eventually both sides will have computerized weapons, and soldiers and pilots will be removed from the battlefield.

This scenario reminds me of an old Star Trek Episode:

A Taste of Armageddon
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708414/plotsummary

You can watch the episode on veoh:
http://www.veoh.com/collection/CBS-S...438381qXfQZhcF

I remember that one. The kicker was no one knew why the war had started in the first place.

SteamWake · 10-26-09, 01:09 PM

Some more thoughts on the Drone Wars

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox News

As the Obama administration considers relying more heavily on remote-controlled drones to attack militants along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, there are increasing concerns that the military will risk losing the hearts and minds of civilians along the way.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009...-hearts-minds/

CNYBubblehead · 10-26-09, 10:10 PM

This is actually quite a hot-button topic here in my neck of the woods, because our local National Guard fighter wing is transitioning from F-16s to the MQ-9 Reaper. While there's the one side of the coin that it could keep individuals from developing combat-induced stress (I personally hope they still have plenty of mental-health services available to them, 'cuz in my book, they're still combat vets!), I can also see the possibility that it could almost desensitize someone, too. I guess it's a fine line to walk. Whatever their role in the conflict, I'm just glad they're serving.

When all is said and done, though, I think the move to the Reaper is a fantastic thing for the wing, even though I'll miss what I lovingly call my Saturday morning "wake-up call"...hearing the -16s zip over my house at 8:30 a.m. when the pilots are training.

Zachstar · 10-27-09, 12:22 AM

The drones have saved more lives then we will ever know. Do you remember what the losses were like in Iraq until Drones were brought in in more numbers?

Drones are winning the war in Afghanistan no its not the quickest thing ever and there are serious losses. But the enemy now fears not being able to do the attack now. They never feared perishing in the attack but the fear of not doing their deed for their god is a pretty good bit of discouragement.

BTW the process of an attack is not just press a button and go. Approaval has to be given for every shot. Often news reports talk of how drones will sometimes hover for hours waiting for the targets to group together and gathering valuable intel.

Skybird · 10-27-09, 06:13 AM

Sim-Drones in action

:

SteamWake · 10-27-09, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachstar

Drones are winning the war in Afghanistan .

Woah wait what?

Last I heard things werent going so well in fact there worse than ever and the politicos huddle behind closed doors wringing their hands "what to do what to do" while the soldiers on the ground cry out for support and continue to suffer and die for what?

Its like vietnam all over again.

Blood_splat · 10-27-09, 09:48 AM

Unleash the dogs of...I mean drones of war!!!

10-27-09, 12:22 AM	#4
Zachstar Sea Lord Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Posts: 1,956 Downloads: 13 Uploads: 0	The drones have saved more lives then we will ever know. Do you remember what the losses were like in Iraq until Drones were brought in in more numbers? Drones are winning the war in Afghanistan no its not the quickest thing ever and there are serious losses. But the enemy now fears not being able to do the attack now. They never feared perishing in the attack but the fear of not doing their deed for their god is a pretty good bit of discouragement. BTW the process of an attack is not just press a button and go. Approaval has to be given for every shot. Often news reports talk of how drones will sometimes hover for hours waiting for the targets to group together and gathering valuable intel. __________________

10-27-09, 06:13 AM	#5
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,609 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Sim-Drones in action : __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-26-09, 10:10 PM	#3
CNYBubblehead Watch Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 15 Downloads: 73 Uploads: 0	This is actually quite a hot-button topic here in my neck of the woods, because our local National Guard fighter wing is transitioning from F-16s to the MQ-9 Reaper. While there's the one side of the coin that it could keep individuals from developing combat-induced stress (I personally hope they still have plenty of mental-health services available to them, 'cuz in my book, they're still combat vets!), I can also see the possibility that it could almost desensitize someone, too. I guess it's a fine line to walk. Whatever their role in the conflict, I'm just glad they're serving. When all is said and done, though, I think the move to the Reaper is a fantastic thing for the wing, even though I'll miss what I lovingly call my Saturday morning "wake-up call"...hearing the -16s zip over my house at 8:30 a.m. when the pilots are training.

10-27-09, 09:48 AM	#7
Blood_splat Samurai Navy Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Beneath the waves Posts: 568 Downloads: 20 Uploads: 0	Unleash the dogs of...I mean drones of war!!!