Unmanned Warfare: Second and Third Order Effects Stemming from the Afghan Operational Environment between 2001 and 2010
Abstract
This thesis builds on research into the second and third order effects of unmanned warfare on the modern battlefield and provides a single source document outlining the major effects seen throughout the Afghan operational environment between 2001 and 2010. When the United States fired the first Hellfire missile from a Predator aircraft in combat, the very nature of warfare took a dramatic step into the future. With new assets capable of remaining airborne for nearly 24 hours and live video feeds streaming to virtually any location in the world, the introduction of unmanned combat onto the battlefields in Afghanistan created many second and third order effects. This thesis captures four effects of particular significance. These four include: changing the nature of combatants, policy lag from the national level, a shifting in roles of the primary battlefield observer, and a relaxed use of the military instrument of national power. Further research into these five effects as well as others yet to be seen must remain a top priority for the military of the twenty first century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA547425
Entities
People
- Matthew C. Crowell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College