The
modern American military is based on the advancements in the ways of warfare
through history to the present day. Today, the American military is one of the
best in the world. This factor contributes to the superpower status of the US
in the world. As of now, the USA’s military is comprised of the Navy, Air
Force, and the Army. The growth in the military strength of the United States
dates back centuries ago. This increase was majorly contributed by colonization
and warfare between countries which spearheaded military technological
advancements. These two factors played a great role in the modern-day America
military growth and, therefore, remain the main areas of interest. The American
Army presently has advanced weaponry, military structure, and combat tactics.
Crude
weapons are no longer in use and have been replaced with real and more
efficient firearms. The military is also well organized and trained than it was
before. Good infrastructure has also been built to aid the military during
warfare. Technological growth has led to inventions that have changed the US
Army fighting techniques and preparedness for war. The 21st century has been
marked with various inventions aimed at achieving artificial intelligence in
machines. This has, therefore, led to the minimization of human contact in the
actual battlefield. The US military research is geared towards the achievement
of a system with very little or no human involvement in warfare.
The
American ways of warfare have experienced enormous changes throughout the
modern military history experience. These changes are attributed to the many
developments in the armed force's technology, starting from the 19th century in
the United States. These changes affected the military combat tactics and
structure. The US government's decision to fund military scientists in
researching and coming up with better weapons resulted in great innovations.
The Army started developing better fighting weapons and tactics in this period.
Machine guns were developed, which were more precise and had better loading
capabilities. The invention of gunpowder, which did not produce smoke, also
took place in this period. Bombs and explosives with a nitrogen basis were also
invented. These explosives could be easily set off than their earlier
counterparts, and this improved the armies fighting capabilities. The transport
and communication sector greatly improved, thus improving land warfare. Roads
and railways facilitated the easy movement of soldiers to the war zones, and
they were able to communicate with each other easily through telegraphs.
The
naval warship also greatly advanced during this period, mostly due to the
invention of the steam engine, torpedoes, destroyer ships, and long-range
marine guns. The substitution of coal with oil further improved the efficiency
of the steam engines as oil was less bulky; hence the ships would stay in the
water for long. Naval schools were started in places that had professional
sailors who were better equipped to handle war at sea. At the beginning of the
20th century, submarines and water crafts were developed, which gave better
naval fighting power to the military.
The
20th and 21st century, however, has seen massive technological advancements,
for example, the introduction of automation and sensor mechanism. Superior
infrastructure has been put in place, which has reinforced the defense and war
capabilities of the United States military. This is attributed to the huge
funding by the government to put the necessary infrastructure. Technological
research has also been stepped up to ensure the US has the latest and the best
equipment in the world. The result of these moves by the government is the
creation of the world’s most superior military. This period is also marked by
great changes in the way of fighting. Automatic firearms that do not require
active human operation have replaced manual ones that require a human operator.
Great space fighting equipment has been developed in this period leading to the
creation of superior military power.
Space
technology advanced, particularly during the cold war. The tension between
Russia and the United States made them invest heavily in the development of
superior military equipment. The research was conducted in space, and
satellites were deployed. These satellites were used by the United States to
spy on Russia’s military capabilities. These satellites continue to be used to
date by the United States military for defense purposes. Missiles and
long-range rocket launchers were invented to convey nuclear and atomic
warheads. Missiles that could be used to eliminate a target on any continent of
the world were developed. These missiles were referred to as the ICBM
(Intercontinental ballistic missiles), and they reinforced the military war
capabilities. This space equipment required a safe storage and control center.
Therefore, fortified military bases that were off the grid were constructed to
ensure safe storage and control of the missiles, warheads, and spy satellites.
These bases could withstand attacks and be undetectable by the enemy.
The
invention of sensors and better communication systems contributed greatly to
the advancements in military power in the US. Sensors were invented, and they
were used to detect the enemy’s position and also guide warheads. The
development of the sensor mechanism is credited to the advancements in the
Navy. This is because it led to the creation of sonar and radar mechanisms that
were used to give locations of ships and submarines at sea. Improvement in
transport infrastructure also contributed to developments in the military. This
is because it facilitated a smooth flow of weaponry and human resource. These
improvements were better railways, roads, and airports.
Naval
power improved tremendously in this period. Means of propulsion that were more
effective were invented. Steam engines that were bulky and required constant
refuel were replaced with diesel and nuclear-powered engines. Nuclear powered
engines can stay for years without requiring refuel. Diesel engines are also
less bulky and can also last for long on the water as fuel reserves for refuel
can be easily carried in the ship. The United States Navy developed submarines
and warships fortified to hold up against attacks by enemies. Submarines pose a
great advantage as they operate under water, and they are only visible only
when the enemy’s ship has its sonar active. Changing the ship to active sonar
exposes the exact position of the ship to the submarine; hence defeating it
becomes easy. The USA's army has realized great advancements in locating
targets at sea using the sonar for deep-sea objects and radar for on sea
targets. These two are controlled by computers and are used for weapon guiding
to ensure that the target is not missed. Training centers, which are the core
of any successful war at sea, have been upgraded to accommodate advancements in
sea technology. This has generated sailors with enough knowledge and tactics to
achieve victory at sea.
The
United States Air Force had its roots in the 20th century. It was declared an
independent branch of the military on 18th September 1947 after the signing of
the National Security Act by President Harry Truman. The USA’s air force has
grown to become one of the world’s greatest aerospace agencies. The work of the
air force is to defend the United States against external and internal attacks.
The air force is also charged with the responsibility of guarding the country
against space invasion. It’s also tasked with the duty of controlling and using
information from spy satellites and other sources to benefit the US. Though the
air force performs its defensive duties on-air, most of its personnel are
normally on the ground and are airlifted when the need arises. Therefore most
of its operations are computer-controlled and are done in the air force bases
allocated.
The
development of the air force and changes in its ways of warfare is dependent on
technological advancements in air and computer technology. The air force grew
as a result of changes in aerospace as a tactical form of attack. Its growth is
entirely independent of ground and sea forms of attacks. The need for strong
air power in the US is mainly attributed to the Second World War. The US used
air power to launch very successful attacks in Germany together with its ally
Britain. Through its air force, it launched attacks on the Japanese ships and
air force emerging victorious. The war ended with the bombing of Japan in
Hiroshima and Nagasaki using atomic warheads. This fostered appreciation for
airpower by the whole world.
America
was not left behind in this need for better airpower after the war. Helicopters
and better planes were developed in this period. Furthermore, the importance of
a strong air force in the United States was necessitated by the introduction of
nuclear and atomic bombs, spy satellites, missiles, and long-range rocket
launchers. Today the US air force is well equipped to defend the country from
any form of air and space attacks. This is facilitated by conducting thorough
training to the personnel working in the Air Force on all potential threats
likely to be encountered in the field.
The
21st century has been marked by the introduction of machines with artificial
intelligence in the various US military dockets. This includes tiny drones
developed by the air force that operates without a human operator. These drones
can be used for spy missions and eliminate specific targets . These drones are
a better substitute for human-driven drones and jets, which have a high running
cost and visibility. These changes into the microtechnology are bringing
tremendous changes to America’s war tactics.
The
military is also researching the possibility of the robotic defense system.
Several robots have been produced by the US military, and tests are still
undergoing their functionality. These advancements show the possibility of the
use of artificially intelligent robots in warfare instead of human foot
soldiers. Extensive research is also undergoing the possibility of automatic
jet fighters and other fighting equipment to minimize human contact during
warfare. Major successes have been realized in this sector, and the military is
exploring more possibilities.
In
conclusion, recent advancement in technology has competitively placed the
United States military against the other military in the world. Great changes
in the way of warfare have resulted in inefficient ways of dealing with threats
to the American people. The computer age has led to the substitution of human
soldiers, navy, and air force with machines with artificial intelligence. The
advancement has not only raised the efficiency of the military but also reduced
the deaths from the military. Research in artificial intelligence is promising
and raises the possibility of warfare with zero American people's active
participation.
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