Airborne Cadet
Inactive
Just saw a history channel special on the new Land Warrior system being developed by the Army. It has several features that are supposed to enhance the soldiers ability to fight and survive. Some key features that I like are being able to put a laser on a target and have the coordinates automatically relayed to artillery support instead of having to plot an 8 digits and call it in. Also, being able to point the OICW weapon around a corner and shoot without having to expose more than the weapon itself is very attractive. The programmable HE rounds could also come in handy for hitting an enemy in defilade. On the flip side of the coin, there are some aspects that make me wary. First, the system is electronic and battery powered and we all know what that means. It also seems that having to manipulate the electronics would take the soldiers head out of the fight, but this may not be an issue if the soldier trains enough with the system. Second, I don't know if I want my commander to be able to see everything i see via video and control the situation. If they are suppose to be controlling what's going on at the strategic and operational levels, why do they need to see what's happening at the tactical level? Since i'm in ROTC and about to be commissioned, this is very well something that i could be using in the next 5 or 6 years if the Army decides to implement the program. Also, do you think this technology will trickle down to LE like other technology and methods?