In recent years, the use of robotics in combat have become commonplace. Whether this be some sort of droid to assist in disarming an IED or use of a Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to identify and destroy the enemy, robots have become a useful tool for the military in accomplishing their tasks and missions. In an interview with the Strategic Social Initiative at the Army Aviation Symposium in Arlington, VA, Gen. Robert Cone, head of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, is reported to have stated: “I’ve got clear guidance to think about what if you could robotically perform some of the tasks in terms of maneuverability, in terms of the future of the force”.

Robot Mule

           As many people know, the Army is currently downsizing from 540,000 to 420,000 people by 2019, but what many people may not know is that the Army is also currently looking to downsize the size of a brigade from 4,000 to 3,000 personnel. Why is this important? This is important because the Army is downsizing in nearly every aspect, but they will still be required to perform the same level of operations as they did with the larder force. It is important to note that with the reduction in size to the Army, the caliber of soldier remaining will increase, but the personnel is still decreasing. This is to say that the soldiers remaining (in theory) will be more dedicated to the Army and will be the “cream of the crop” in military training, but this still does present a problem. If you have a high caliber soldier that that can eliminate 9 out of 10 enemy combatants before he himself is eliminated, this is effective until you encounter that 10^th soldier. In essence, it is imperative to find the balance within the ratio of numbers and expertise. This is where the robotics can be helpful.  Gen. Cole further stated that "The point is you get to keep more tooth, more folks that actually conduct operations on the ground and less supporting structure." A robot has the potential to add numbers to this ratio, while still maintaining the expertise and minimizing the cost for each combatant.

                In terms of G-T-S-R (Generate, Transport, Sustain, Redeploy), there are definite advantages that robotics bring to the table of Military Strategy and effectiveness.  As the Army moves to downsize the numbers of its personnel due to budget restrictions, robotics can play a key role in sustaining capabilities. Although the initial prices of training and integrating military robots may be greater than traditional soldiers, the cost to maintain and keep combat ready throughout a lengthy span of time will be significantly greater. Robots do not require a pay check, do not require three meals a day, do not require paid leave days, do not get sick, and do not require training days for their own benefit. 

Talon: SWORDS Robot

               The most difficult phase of the G-T-S-R cycle for the implementation of military robots as a primary means of personnel will be the generation phase. Robots of this nature are not cheap to produce in bulk as the Army will require.  The Talon: SWORDS Robot is a multi-functioning robot that the U.S. Military has already begun implementing. One drawback to this robot is that it costs a minimum of $60,000.00 (not including the weapon it is outfitted with). It would cost the DoD over 6 million dollars to bring one hundred additional Talon: SWORDS Robots into the military, which does not include sustainment or training with the soldiers manning these robots. With the DoD’s monetary capabilities reducing, it will be difficult for them to gather such large pools of money in order to purchase these robots in bulk. The generation of such robotic capabilities will be difficult.

                In addition to the Generation phase, the Sustainment phase will offer some form of resistance to the effectiveness of the implementation of robots. The cost to the DoD does not end at the Generation phase when the device is purchased. Although robots do not require a monthly paycheck, food, or sick days (as human soldiers do), they do require maintenance in order to work properly. Additionally, the robots will not function on their own, each robot will require a soldier (or team of soldiers) to operate it.

                Although the implementation of robots into the United States Military will save monetary assets in certain ways, it is important to understand that it will bring new costs along with it during the Generation and Sustainment phases. Spending money to save money may not be as successful as many military leaders anticipate.