netmouse: (Default)
netmouse ([personal profile] netmouse) wrote2007-08-06 04:15 pm

Armed ground robots

remotely-operated ground vehicles (robots) with guns are being deployed in Iraq. How'd you like to face down a robot with an M-249 machine gun? Or a grenade launcher? The program calls them "special weapons observation remote reconnaissance direct action systems" (SWORDS). So far they have not been in a firefight. Yet.

[identity profile] speedygeo.livejournal.com 2007-08-07 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, an arena I have some basic experience in. I trained at Fort Benning, GA to be an 11-Bravo, Infantryman. Tools like this will save lives if the personnel using them are trained. I would question how durable the device is under fire, but I would still rather have it take a couple of rounds instead of me even with body armor.

I read some of the ill-informed masses postings on there. I love that they run to the concept of 'we just push a button and send these things out the door'. There is still the human condition. Not sure if that's a blessing or a curse, only time will tell.