Pitfalls of Technology: A Case Study of the Battle on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan
Abstract
The presence of some technologies contributed in a negative way to the events on Takur Ghar - one of the first battles on the 21st Century. Facing adaptable enemies, do we expect too much from our asymmetric edge in technology? Are we becoming over-reliant upon technology? Have we thoroughly vetted the limitations of our technologies? Fog and friction remain present in the face of technology. This paper will look at how a sequence of events, driven by decisions derived from advanced technological means - contributed to the loss of 7 US personnel. It will focus on three aspects of technology: Imagery Intelligence and AC-130 optics. A SEAL reconnaissance team's reliance on intelligence helped them achieve a level of comfort that caused them to violate one of the basic precepts of reconnaissance missions - never infiltrate directly onto an observation post. In this case, low tech defeated Hi-tech. Infrared Strobe-lights. Simultaneous use of this relatively mature technology complicated efforts to grasp situational awareness after ABHl Roberts' fall onto Takur Ghar. Due to the availability of a Predator feed at the various Tactical Operations Centers, higher headquarters assumed they possessed better situational awareness than low-level commanders in closer proximity to the fight. What is seen on Predator in real time may be influenced by what you are predisposed to see.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414541
Entities
People
- Andrew N. Milani
Organizations
- United States Army War College