Counterinsurgency and Robots: Will the means Undermine the Ends?

Abstract

The recent introduction of unmanned and robotic systems into counterinsurgency (COIN) operations has created marked advantages at the tactical level of operations. Despite tactical advantages created by increasing capabilities and presence on the battlefield, unmanned and robotic systems produce a collective operational impact that increases risk. The operational risk assumed by commanders charged with conducting COIN is a result of unknown variables and side effects generated by the interaction of unmanned and robotic systems with the populace. The significance of the risk incurred is its impact on the information operations logical line of operations (LOO) that is considered the decisive LOO in current doctrine. This paper defines the forces that are driving the trend towards more capable and autonomous systems and their potential impact to COIN operations. It explains the importance of doctrine to COIN and offers long term and short term solutions that can mitigate the risks associated with unmanned and robotic systems employment in COIN.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 04, 2009
Accession Number
ADA503005

Entities

People

  • Samuel N. Deputy

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Anti-Tank Missiles
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Cognitive Systems Engineering
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Information Operations
  • Military Doctrine
  • Military Operations
  • Side Effects
  • United States
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Systems
  • Unmanned Vehicles
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs