The Disabled Soldier: A Case for Disabled Americans in the U.S. Armed Services

Abstract

Despite the rising demands and functions of non-kinetic warfare, the military bars most disabled Americans from entry. Artificial intelligence, complex decision-making, and fifth-generation-warfare elements stress a multidimensional force and cognitive skills over dominant kinetic traits. This thesis investigates the feasibility requirements, national security implications, and benefits to the Department of Defense of expanding active military service to disabled Americans. After reviewing U.S. and international integration of disabled persons, the defined needs and skills for emerging warfare, academic studies of disabled talents, and military policy, this thesis reveals the feasibility of inclusion. Recommendations include mainstreaming persons with disabilities within the existing military model, making changes to defense policy, establishing a pilot program or corps, and undertaking future research.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1173289

Entities

People

  • Kristin M. Duquette

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Attrition
  • Autonomous Weapons
  • Business Administration
  • Casualties
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Health Services
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Science
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Patient Care
  • Prosthetics
  • Psychology
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Economics
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Medical or Health Care Field.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy