Human Impact of Technological Innovation on the Battlefield
Abstract
The objective of the study was to learn as much as possible about the reactions of troops and commanders to new weapons when these were first introduced in combat, and about the longer-term adaptions to these weapons. A case-study methodology was employed. The following cases of new-weapon introduction were studied: lung-injurant gases, mustard gas, tanks, flamethrowers, air attack on ground troops, the proximity fuze, jet aircraft, and improved munitions technologies. The study found that there was panic in at least half the cases studied when the new weapon was first introduced. In all cases in which there was unquestionably panic it was immediately clear to the attacked troops that a distinctly new weapon, never before experienced, has been used against them. Troops and commanders generally adapted quickly to the new weapon, improvising protective measures and/or tactics and weapons for attacking it within a few days to a few weeks. It was concluded that a new weapon may have one or more of three separate characteristics that have an impact on attacked troops: newness, high lethality, and terror-evocation. Quickly giving troops authorized procedures to follow in dealing with the new weapon can help prevent future panic and leadership, training, and esprit de corps also seem to play a significant role.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA154746
Entities
People
- Brian Bader
- Charles R. Smith
- Gay M. Hammerman
- Trevor N. Dupuy