Keeping Soldiers Safe Without Sacrificing Security

The Marine Corps has been testing a new semi-autonomous system that, although not yet combat effective, was used in an air base scenario in late January during the Marines' Integrated Training Exercise to successfully maintain the security of the area.  According to this article by the Military Times, the Mobile Detection Assessment Response System (MDARS) could soon be heading to Afghanistan.

Cpl. D. J. Wu / Marine Corps

 MDARS "patrols" the airfield by either roaming or by heading to predetermined locations as the guards operate from onlooking towers.  If a guard detects activity from beyond the perimeter, he can push a button and MDARS will go straight there to investigate further until a quick reaction force can pick up the threat.  This vehicle was developed under sponsorship of the Army's Product Manager Force Protection Systems at Fort Belvoir, VA and features various advanced sensors, like navigation lasers, daylight and infrared cameras, a radar that can detect an object nearly a mile away, and a 10,000 candle power spotlight.  Optional features include audio warning devices, non-lethal munitions, and light weapons, according to Pat Culliton who is the MDARS program managers with San Diego-based Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific.

The 2013 MDARS II production system

MDARS is even build to accommodate and be driven by a Marine, if needed.  Its long chassis leaves room in the empty rear cargo area for upgrades in the future, like a smaller robot.

The war in Afghanistan, for the United States, concerns the security of Afghanistan.  In November 2008, a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) deployed to southern Afghanistan to be responsible for the security in the given area of operations.  They were initially deployed with additional logistics and air support, then soon requested even more additional forces to assist them in the east and in the south. 

Perhaps if these vehicles were available to the MAGTF then they would have been able to reduce the amount of logistics and support personnel necessary to support themselves without reducing their combat effectiveness, according to the Tooth to Tail Ratio (T3R), as these vehicles could allow the soldiers to stay safe and to work more efficiently without sacrificing security.