The Perfect Soldier: Special Operations, Commandos, and the Future of Us Warfare by James F. Dunnigan
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Dirty Little Secrets
The Geek Advantage
by James Dunnigan
January 29, 2006
Discussion Board on this DLS topic
American troops appear to have a
considerable advantage because most of them grew up playing video games
and using PCs. More and more military equipment uses computers, or are
basically electronic gadgets. American troops require a lot less time
to learn how to use this stuff, and tend to be very good with it. This
extends from fire control systems in armored vehicles, to new radios,
electronic rifle sights and training systems (which are very similar to
those video games.) Many other countries have to spend a lot more time
training their troops to use this stuff, and the proficiency of the
troops is never particularly good. This effect is often seen when this
high tech American equipment is provided to foreign troops who didn’t
have such an electronic childhood.
Another
big American advantage here is that U.S. troops can quickly get into
the computerized training systems and further enhance their combat
skills. A major problem with computerized simulators and wargames is
the time it takes to learn to use them. But most American troops see
this stuff as just another computer game, and get right into it.
Whoever thought all those hours spend playing videogames would prove so
useful on the battlefield.
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