Advancements in military technologies are increasing at a staggering rate along with every other sector of human existence.  It is crucial for our military to stay at the forefront of technological advancement, to keep the advantage over our enemies and ensure the safety of our country.  More than ever, researchers are looking for ways to improve the welfare, moral and safety of our soldiers.  Of course as well, they are looking for ways to increase their effectiveness and turn them into more efficient fighting machines.  Throughout history the ground soldier has faced the brunt of the hardship and responsibility when tasked with the safekeeping of our freedom.  The struggles they endure go above anything man can be faced with and today we have the ability to drastically reduce those hardships.  The current wars our country is involved in has brought more focus to the quality of life for each individual soldier and ensuring them the highest possible chances for survival.  We are realizing that a healthier and better prepared soldier can be worth many of their equivalent who are poorly trained and equipped.

After thorough research on the subject I am convinced that the US Military places a very high value on the quality treatment of our soldiers.  Gone are the days where a soldier is only an expendable component on a battlefield.   Their training, equipment, and care are viewed as a top priority as well as their comfortable re-integration back into society once their term of service is over.  Many soldiers come home from the battlefield severely wounded, with both physical and mental scars, which will haunt them the rest of their lives.  The military spares no expense in their rehabilitation, and some advanced treatments include regenerative medicine, state of the art prosthetic's, and virtual reality PTSD treatments.  These technologies heal the wounded soldiers so they can live the remainder of their lives as a productive member of society, instead of always carrying the title of disabled war vet.  It is very important that our government looks after all of its citizens, especially the members of its military.  Maintaining a high standard for humanity is what makes our country great and practicing those values, among all institutions and members of society is essential.

There are many cool new technologies that are surfacing, which are designed with the sole purpose of protecting the men and women of our armed forces.  They are able to do their jobs without these advancements, and have done so since the beginning.  But our modern age has provided an opportunity for the military to step up the effectiveness and safety of our soldiers.  Robots are being developed to replace the more dangerous jobs that soldiers traditionally had to do.  Advances in battlefield first aid are drastically increasing a soldiers chances for survival, should they become a casualty.  The current weapons and armor are being completely overhauled to create the next generation of super soldier.  The future for the ground soldier is looking more and more like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the fact remains, advancements in technology will drastically change the lives of soldiers in our military. 

Advancements have been made in humanity over last several hundred years and advancements parallel in technology as well.  During the Civil War, thousands of poorly fed and equipped men, went charging in one big mass, into a swarm of bullets, and received only a dirty amputation as their post battle treatment.  During World War II, soldiers stole the clothes off dead men’s feet and lived in holes to keep from freezing to death in the harsh winters.  Now we cruise down the streets of Baghdad, in basically indestructible vehicles with the most high tech positioning and communication equipment, while wearing lightweight breathable and highly effective camouflage uniforms.  The life has changed drastically over time for the ground soldier and there is no telling what the future of warfare will have in store.  War will possibly be fought with very little loss of human life and it might be more of a battle of advanced technologies.  Possibly technology will advance to the point where there will be no more war and the ground soldier will be a thing of the past.                  

This is just awesome, and a little scary

Virtual Reality Training

Gaming Technology Puts Soldiers Boots on Ground

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2011/December/Pages/GamingTechnologyPutsSoldiers%E2%80%99BootsonGround.aspx

The military is paying Intelligent Decisions Inc. 57 million dollars to develop the Dismounted Soldier Training System.  A Virtual reality training systems that allows nine soldiers with mock weapons to practice battle drills long before they are sent in to fight.  Simulators for pilots and tank drivers have been used for some time now, but their hasn't yet been a simulator for the infantry soldier.  "The system allows soldiers to identify sounds, pinpointing the exact kinds of weapons, trucks, tanks and cars that they hear. It also does not protect the soldier’s avatar from injury. It can be hurt by direct and indirect fire — bullets, grenades and IEDs. And those injuries are simulated to take accurate tolls on the fighters."  Soldiers will be able to experience realistic training scenarios from the safety of home station.

New Hightech Underoos ;)

Military Developing Smart Underwear for soldiers

 "Once you get past the initial elements of humor naturally surrounding a pair of high-tech underwear, it’s actually quite the technological accomplishment given that traditional monitoring systems generally involve bulky straps and irritating wires. With this new technology, the military is hoping soldiers will be able to “wear them and forget them,” keeping soldiers safer, much more comfortable, and providing reliable data in real-time that command centers can take advantage of."(http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/u-s-military-developing-high-tech-smart-underwear-for-soldiers/)

U.S. Military Develops High-Tech Undies to Monitor Soldiers’ Vitals

   "Taken further, the technology could inform tacticians about altitude adaptation, burn and blunt trauma, blood volume, metabolic activity, respiratory distress, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear exposure. With the addition of acoustic sensors, they could even assess ballistic impact and thoracic sounds to detect trauma and help medics pinpoint where they’re needed most."(http://www.ecouterre.com/u-s-military-develops-smart-undies-to-monitor-soldiers-vitals-during-combat/) 

I guess this proves there is no limit to the extent that high technology will invade the every day life of a soldier.  Now even his britches are loaded full of sensors and whatnot capable of monitoring a soldiers vital signs and relaying that information to a central system.  The health of a soldier can be tracked and enable medics to respond more efficiently to injury.  Or these new britches can gather daily data on a soldier to see if he is fit enough for the requirements of their mission.  Normally it takes a complicated apparatus of wires and sensors to monitor vitals, but with these new drawers it could be as easy as getting dressed in the morning.   

 

Land Warrior Gear

The Army's New Land Warrior Gear

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military/news/4215725

The Army's new land warrior system provides users with GPS Navigation to give the positions of their fellow soldiers and vehicles, as well as the ability to mark and track enemy targets.  It is fully compatible with the Blue Force Tracker, (info on that system) and the helmet mounted LCD screen gives the soldier real time position information and maps of all components on the battlefield.  Gadgets mounted on the weapon system include, laser range finder, thermal and night vision sights, and digital camera which can display in the eye piece or send the footage elsewhere.  Also incorporated is microphone and headphones for communication and a compact keyboard like controller to manage it all.  Prior to this technology soldiers only had what information they could actually see and coordination and accountability proved to be a much bigger challenge.  Adapting these technologies, which are already in use on vehicles, so that the ground soldier can utilize them as well has proven difficult.  The system is heavy and a bit bulky.  Improvements are being made and despite these inconveniences, the Land Warrior Gear will one day be a part of each soldiers standard issue.

Good Youtube Video Showing System

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1l1wAWwjmE

HULC Exoskelaton by Lockheed Martin

HULC Exoskeleton by Lockheed Martin

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/hulc.html

"The HULC is a completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that provides users with the ability to carry loads of up to 200 lbs for extended periods of time and over all terrains."

Companies like Lockheed Martin are looking far into the future with technological developments that will improve the effectiveness and well being of soldiers.  Soldiers in combat are required to carry heavy loads of
equipment they will need to complete their missions, which puts heavy strain on the body and reduces mobility.  With the use of hydraulics and lightweight materials, the HULC Exoskeleton is designed to augment the abilities of a soldier by mechanically supporting and enhancing the body and it's movements.  Developers are increasingly looking for ways to synchronize the human body with high technology and create, in essence, a super soldier, who will provide great advantages on the battlefield.  Soldiers are expected to perform seemingly impossible tasks on a daily basis and it takes it's toll on the physical health of the body.  Cutting edge developments such as the HULC Exoskeleton, can one day prove to be a vital asset to a soldier in combat and make the difficult lives they lead a bit easier.  Futuristic; yes, but a very real possibility one day.  

Combat Uniform of the Future

Combat Uniform of the Future

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyweapons/a/futureuniform.htm

The combat uniform of the future could look like something out of a science fiction movie.  These high-tech uniforms currently being developed culminate several technologies including liquid armor protection, which remains in fluid form until a certain amount of force is applied and instantly hardens.  "Using a test swatch of four layers of untreated Kevlar – the normal thickness of body armor – Wetzel is able to stab an ice pick through the fabric. But when stabbing a treated section of fabric with all the force he can muster, the ice pick dents the fabric but can’t penetrate through."  Also, the helmet, which is the brains of the system will incorporate a camera providing 360 degree situational awareness of the environment and sensors which will filter out some of the sounds on the battlefield and enhance others.  A pack on the soldiers back and a respirator will sense any harmful contaminates in the air and automatically provide a fresh oxygen supply in case it is needed.  These along with other advancements will dramatically improve a soldiers effectiveness and level of safety in a wartime environment. 

New Breakthroughs in Regenerative Medecine

Regenerative Medicine for Soldiers

http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/news/article.asp?qEmpID=456

This article contains an interview with a Dr. Stephen Badylak, Deputy Director of McGowan institute.  He is currently researching the possibility of re-growing the missing tissue of wounded soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.  Some animals and human fetuses are able to regrow lost limbs but for humans that ability diminishes by the time we are born, says Dr. Badylak.  He is trying to figure out why that is and maybe someday discover the key to stimulating new limb growth for injured soldiers.  The military is taking the care of its wounded soldiers very seriously and the Dr. says "The Defense Department is approaching this in a Manhattan Project mode. It's put $100 million on the table to address these horrific problems from a regenerative medicine standpoint."  Life for Soldiers who suffer from these horrible injuries will never be the same and they will live with a reminder of war for the rest of their lives.  One day this technology could be the answer to repair the wounds of these disabled soldiers. 

McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

http://www.mirm.pitt.edu/welcome/

The McGowan Institute is moving full bore on research in the field of Regenerative Medicine.  There scope of research includes:

• The replacement of tissue function with entirely synthetic constructs (such as in artificial organs),
• Functional restoration with constructs that comprise both synthetic and cellular components (such as in biohybrid organs),
• The combination of temporary scaffolds with cellular components (such as in conventional tissue engineering), and
• Cellular therapies, including those involving adult stem cells and genetically manipulated cells (such as for the repair of damaged tissue and muscle).

All very technical stuff but the concept is amazing and once developed will be a huge benefit to soldiers and civilians alike.

Throwable Robots Provide Soldiers Risk Free Surveillance

http://www.gizmag.com/us-military-throwable-robots/20052/

The U.S. military is ready to field test several different prototypes of "throw-able robots" in Afghanistan.  According to this article "Robots are a perfect tool to give soldiers in the field "eyes" on a potentially hazardous situation without placing themselves in harm's way. With soldiers often operating in difficult terrain or entering buildings, the easiest way to get such robots into place is usually to throw them."(http://www.gizmag.com/us-military-throwable-robots/20052/)  The current versions of portable reconnaissance robots weigh 32 lbs. and worth their weight in gold.  The significantly lighter versions currently in development will make their use that much more practical and tactically efficient.  The goal is to give the soldier every possible advantage and chance for survival while in combat so they can live to fight another day and eventually come home safely.  These robots are essentially cameras on wheels and prevent a soldier from having to walk blindly into a dark and cramped building where the space inside could be loaded full of enemies.  These nifty robots are another great example of high-tech civilian technology being adapted for military use, and changing the way soldiers operate on the battlefield. 

A New Bandage Saving Lives

"Hemorrhage is the largest preventable cause of death among U.S. soldiers in combat, historically accounting for roughly half of all such fatalities. Until recently, techniques for controlling bleeding hadn't improved substantially since the Civil War."

"During the past several years, however, the U.S. military has funded substantial research into bleeding-control techniques, leading to two types of quick-clotting bandages."

Wall Street Journal Article on New Battlefield First Aid Technology

http://www72.homepage.villanova.edu/michael.fazzini/WSJ_com%20-%20Battlefield%20Medical%20Advances%20May%20Save%20Wounded%20Soldiers.htm

How Quick Clot works(watch video too)

http://www.z-medica.com/healthcare/How-QuikClot-Works/How-QuikClot-Works.aspx

 Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of trauma death on the battlefield. Traditional methods to halt bleeding, such as tourniquets, are not suitable for the neck and many other parts of the body.  The life of a bleeding and pinned down soldier could be saved if they could just receive the medical attention they need.  Advances in blood clotting technology are improving the chances of survival for a wounded soldier on the battlefield.  The wounded or a fellow soldier is able to apply the Quick clotting bandage or powder and stop the bleeding on even the most serious wounds.  Having this new product in every soldiers med-kit gives them an added measure of confidence while they accomplish their missions and an extra chance for survival in the event they do receive an injury.

Virtual Reality Helps Soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Article Further Explaining PTSD Treatment

http://www.fastcompany.com/1728656/virtual-iraq-helps-soldiers-overcome-ptsd

It's inevitable that when certain people experience a traumatic event, that event might haunt them long after they have returned home. Between 2000 and 2011 76,000 soldiers have been diagnosed with PTSD,and the Army says that the condition is treatable.(http://articles.kspr.com/2012-03-23/ptsd_31232259)  Along with the traditional methods of treatment, including drugs and counseling, new methods of treating the disorder are being developed.  Virtual reality treatment gradually re introduces the soldier to the stressful events that haunt him so they are able to process their fears and emotions in a safe environment.  War can leave scars both mentally and physically on a soldier and this is one way in which technology is helping to heal the emotional trauma sustained in combat.  This method of PTSD treatment is being used with greater success and is giving soldiers a chance to have peace of mind once again.

The Science behind Camouflage

Camouflage Explained from HowStuffWorks.com

http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-camouflage.htm

The Army's Newest and most advanced Battle Uniform
http://defense-update.com/features/2010/february/new_multicam_uniform_19022010.html

There is more behind the colors and shapes which make up the soldiers uniform, than one might originally expect.  Much research and testing goes into the battle uniforms that soldiers are being equipped with.  The newest round of camouflage is better for desert environments than any previous version and is described to "blend and reflect some of the surrounding colors of the environment, thus blending in with the environment. The new pattern is designed to deceive the human eye and brain to accept the concealed object as part of the background. Furthermore, the pattern's complex, curved elements are shaped to efficiently maintain concealment by effectively managing scale and contrast at long and close range."(http://defense-update.com/features/2010/february/new_multicam_uniform_19022010.html)  The great effort and expense the military goes through to update the soldiers uniform shows how important something as simple as clothing can be for increasing their chances for survival.  Each and Every piece of gear issued to a soldier is thought out and designed to do 1 thing, increase a soldiers effectiveness and chances for survival on the battlefield. 

The Newest Generation of Armored Troop Transport Vehicles - Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP)

Article Describing Features and Effectiveness of MRAP
http://www.ndu.edu/press/lib/images/jfq-55/12.pdf

Good Blog with information on newest MRAP technology
http://subloviate.blogspot.com/2007_11_01_archive.html 

Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) were a fairly new concept in the beginning of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and eventually became the leading threat to US and Coalition Troops.  The dynamics of warfare changed as our enemies relied heavily on guerrilla tactics, and modifications quickly had to be made to the way soldiers protected themselves.  In the start of the war soldiers were using soft skinned Humvee's and Trucks, which had little armor and soldiers were being blown up on a regular basis.  The need for more advanced troop carrying platforms was quickly realized and companies like International and General Dynamics designed vehicles which greatly increased a soldiers survivability in the event of an attack.  A variety of technologies were developed and combined to provide a soldier with better safety and capability while traveling the roads in the middle east.  These videos and articles provide information on the technologies and capabilities of this new fleet of advanced military vehicles.  The vehicles have greatly decreased the number of casualties since they were first shipped and continue to do so today.  The first link and document shows just how effective these vehicles have been at saving the lives of soldiers.  The second link is to a blog loaded full of information on all types of armored military vehicles.

Robots Doing the Dirty work

 HowStuffWorks.com always comes through with great info and video footage

http://www.howstuffworks.com/predator.htm

The military is always looking for every way possible to increase mission effectiveness and reduce human casualties, to gain the advantage over their enemy.  Replacing humans with machines is one strategy being used with great success.  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are being operated from a pilot sitting on the ground miles away, so they can remain out of harms way.  These Aircraft have proven to be more effective than a pilot operated aircraft because they have a greater range and they eliminate the need to put a military member at risk.  This website and video shows just how effective these unmanned aircraft can be at gathering battlefield data and relaying to soldiers on the ground to give them a great tactical advantage. 

 

This video shows a team of Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) soldiers using a robot to defuse an explosive, while at a safe distance.  Every time one of these devices crashes or gets blown up, a human life has basically been saved.  The weapon of choice for the insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan today is the Improvised Explosive Device.  These devices can be remotely detonated by a trigger man hundreds of yards away with a cell phone.  Diffusing one of these devices hidden on the side of the road can be extremely dangerous for an EOD troop and these robots are designed to do the dangerous job for them.  A protective explosion suit is no match for a two 500 lb. bombs wired together and buried underneath a road way.  That's when they call in the robots who can cruise right up to the device risk free and deactivate it or place a detonation charge.  The sooner the device is cleared the traffic can move safely again.  These robots have been proven essential in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Frontline troops push for solar energy

Video Demonstrating Devices Reducing Petroleum Use

http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2011/08/18/t_bst_marines_solar_afghanistan_iraq.cnnmoney/

Military's efforts to Save Lives with Green Technology

http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2012/02/14/how-the-military-uses-green-tech-to-save-soldiers-lives/

1 in 8 army casualties in the war in Iraq was due to the protection of a fuel convoy.  Soldiers on the front lines rely heavily on fossil fuels to carry out there missions.  Transportation and Power generation provide the soldiers with the tools and capabilities they need to carry out there mission and have the best chance for returning home safely.  Both of these require huge amounts of energy so technology developers are looking at new ways to reduce the amount of petroleum being used, which could hopefully in turn reduce the amount of casualties due to protection of fuel convoys.  Marines are rapidly testing and developing new solar devices, influenced from the private sector, to reduce the required amount of fuel to conduct their missions. 

New Treatments Improve Life for Injured Soldiers

http://www.army.mil/article/64355/New_Treatments_Improve_Life_for_Injured_Soldiers/

 

 

This article and Youtube video shows new technologies improving the lives of wounded soldiers and giving them the freedom to do things they would not have normally been able to due to their injuries. High tech prosthetics have improved greatly over the past 10 years as the number of seriously wounded vets coming home from Iraq increases. The video shows how a wounded soldier struggles and the difference in his life the new high tech prosthetic legs make. The article is from the Army website and good source of information.

Military Technology

Since the beginning of human history on this planet, we have been looking for newer and better ways to kill each other.  There has been a race to find an advantage on the battlefield that could improve your chances for survival and victory.  The United States Military has been at the forefront of technological development since the beginning.  I have seen first-hand how rapidly technology can advance when lives and the fate of a country are at stake.  Many of the technological advancements that we rely on in our daily lives, including your cars navigation system and the internet that brought you to this blog, were first researched and developed for the purpose of national security.  This blog will encapsulate a great history of military technology and provide some foresight into what the future of military technology could possibly hold.  I owe my life to a few basic pieces of technology and come to think of it... you do too.