Computers in the Military

Since the start of the Cold War, computers have played an increasingly important role in the military of the United States. With each war or era, new systems and equipment are introduced to give servicemen of the United States military an edge on the battlefield. Over time, computers in the military have been adapted or designed to do a broad range of tasks, to include: analyzing intelligence; organizing prudent data for military leaders; geospatial analysis; controlling "smart" weapons; or communications. With these new and broadened tasks, comes a need for a more computer literate generation of servicemen and increased training in computer skills. Computer literate soldiers are necessary because if not maintained and operated correctly, it is possible that these computers could turn more into a liability than an advantage. But, when used properly, as they usually are, their advantage is unparalleled. To examine the roles of computers in the military, we must examine multiple aspects about them:

1. History of Computers in the Military
2. Important Figures in Military Computer History
3. Roles of Computers in the Military
4. Advantages of Computers in the Military

These aspects are necessary because in order to understand their purpose and effectiveness, we have to understand how they have been integrated over time and their utilizations. Essentially: if they are so necessary, then what makes them so necessary? After completing the reading of the information contained within this webpage, you should be able to gain a general understanding of the principles of computer in the military: their roles, their application and their history.

History of Computers in the Military

The United States military was one of the primary driving forces in the creation of the first computers as we know them in the modern sense. In 1946, the United States Army Ordance Corps financed and developed the first true computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer, or ENIAC. It took up an entire room and was essentially a large calculator. It was used to help calculate more precisely measurements for artillery firing and help refine measurements for the Hydrogen Bomb. The next big step came with the Defense Calculator in 1952. Instead of being built by the government, it was built by IBM, hence why its official name was the IBM 701. It held many of the same purposes of ENIAC, except being improved on many aspects.

The Cold War was the primary driving force for the development of computers. No matter the arena they were developed in- commercial, academic, or military- the Cold War was the ultimate focus in developing them. One could say that the United States had an innate fear of being outclassed technologically. A rise in the development of computers via the military came with development of new weaponry and equipment such as guided missiles, which needed computers to hone them in onto their target. Another major development was the Global Positioning System, or GPS. Utilizing satellites to provide an exact location on Earth, computers were needed by the military to run the system but also provide that information at the ground level to combat leaders. Computers in the military are now used in countless ways for countless tasks, proving their importance. (Source: www.computerhistory.org)

Important Figures in Military Computer History

There have been numerous important figures in the field of military computers. From those who have designed physical platforms to those who have designed programs. They have contributed immensley to how the military now conducts itself on the battlefield. It is important to recognize who they are because knowing their dedication and innovation can inspire future generations to carry on the torch. They might not have been soldiers or battlefield commanders, but their contributions stand tall nonetheless. Three key figures would have to be:

• Paul Baran
• Bradford Parkinson
• Keith B. Alexander

Paul Baran was a leading developer of what was called ARPANET. Most people now know it as the leading precursor to the modern internet. He conceived the idea while he was working for the RAND Corporation as a means for the United States Government to keep in communication with eachother in the event of a nuclear war. Bradford Parkinson was a U.S. Air Force Colonel and the primary developer of GPS. GPS utilized numerous satellites in conjunction with a computer program called NAVSTAR which could, through a simplified notion of trangulation, provide exact locations of those with devices plugged into the program anywhere on planet Earth. Keith B. Alexander is a retired General of the United States Army, who was the first commander of the U.S. military's Cyber Command. Cyber Command was founded in 2009, and is the primary command for integrating and unifying all U.S. Department of Defense cyber activites. General Alexander was a key part of starting this force, and as such was a pioneer in the cyber defenses of the United States.

Roles of Computers in the Military

Today, computers serve in an array of functions and capacities which, in part, have been credited into making the U.S. military perhaps the most effective in the world. As discussed in the history section, their beginnings were modest- mostly to help confirm measurements and mathematics. Now, however, they form a core part of almost every aspect or branch of the military. From the seemingly mundane to tasks on the cutting edge of technology. There are too many roles to cover in this webpage, so we will just take a brief look at a few. In no particular order, but each of great importance, there is:

• Administration
 
• Guidance Systems
 
• Communications

Administratively, computers play important roles in tracking salaries and wages for each and every soldier; tracking the meal plan that the unit's cooks are preparing for a certain amount of time; or preparing schedules regarding training and other important events for soldiers and their units. These tasks might seem mundane, but they are truly what keeps the military running smoothly. Necessary for the development of guided weapons that provide for accurate support for our military and reduce civilian casualties was the development of computers. Utilizing features we discussed before, such as GPS, they allow weapons such as bombs or missiles to precisely target certain locations of objects. Finally, communications, perhaps their most important aspect. Communication is paramount in the military,as it can speed up processes and allow for more fluid decision making. Discussed earlier was ARPANET, which was invented to allow communication within the U.S. Government in the event of a nuclear war. Computers provide a direct network to allow multiple lanes of communication between various parties within the military.

Advantages of Computers in the Military

The advantages of having a military that utilizes computers is numerous and exponential. It is easy to say that they make a military "more advanced"- but what does that mean? What are the tangible benefits? They are, in fact, difficult to calculate. Therefore, you have to step outside the box and perhaps look at more existential properties. In a more broad sense, you could say.

For one, they speed the lines of communications. They allow military leaders to gain quicker knowledge of what is happening around them and then communicate that to other leaders. This means that essential data can be disseminated quicker. They also provide military leaders with more current and exact data that they need. Whether that is mathematical/scientific data, or human intelligence. Perhaps a final one is that computers encourage a greater flow of informaton, since spreading that information is easier. This means, in general, military leaders can make more informed decisions.

Conclusion

We have covered essentially what is a brief introduction to the roles and history of computers in the military. It is difficult to overstate both the essential advantages they bring to the U.S. military and how many different roles they fulfill.

Computers in the military and their roles will continue to become more advanced and critically important as time goes on. We can witness happening now, with current and developing technology such as more autonomous drones or smaller devices that the average battlefield soldier can use. The main focus of the U.S. military is fighting wars, so in the United States when we find technology that give our forces an advantage, we are keen to take it.

Sources

"Application: Military/Aerospace." Computer History Museum. Computer History Museum, n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2014.