Close to Kill: Vestigial Technologies and Combat Arms
Abstract
Closing with the enemy is a primal instinct somewhat antithetical to the trajectory of technological development, which has generally permitted killing at greater distances. The mere thought of ramming a several-thousand-ton ship into another vessel, stabbing a blade into the chest of an adversary, or achieving the much vaunted air-to-air guns kill is likely to raise ones heart rate. Actually mentioning these words in todays military environment quickly invites heated debate concerning the material and psychological dimensions of warfare.This study analyzes the history of the naval ram, bayonet, and internal gun in fighter aircraft. Two periods of time are explored for each technology. Costs and benefits are evaluated during the periods of time the technologies were preeminent in combat. The technologies are also examined in the aftermath of their fall from primacy.This study concludes the value of vestigial, close-to-kill technologies hinges on addressing five themes. The themes include: the quality of long range technologies, number of standoff effects available, likelihood of encountering an enemy in close quarters, expenses associated with the vestigial weapon, and unintended costs and benefits. Under the lens of these themes, analyses of the ram for ships, bayonet for infantry rifles, and internal gun for fighter aircraft suggest psychological and social costs and benefits are more relevant to their value than material factors. Consequently, as it is often difficult and time-consuming to assess and evaluate such ill-defined justifications, leaders should dig deeper before dismissing a weapon based on face value.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1019392
Entities
People
- Jeremy R. Lushnat
Organizations
- Air University