...The controversy surrounding drone practice for targeted killing is questionable ethically, legally, and strategically. The U.S. policy of drone warfare is directly correlated with the war on terrorism. The aftermath of 9/11 convinced the U.S. military and intelligence community to target Taliban and al-Qaeda militants by utilizing drone technology. The Authorization for Use of Military Force permits the use of all necessary and appropriate force against terrorism. The U.S government to justify drone strikes without restrictions has used this settlement as a defense mechanism. Drone technology promotes secrecy, governmental power, and a foreign policy that operates without limitations. The issue of drone technology is analyzed using the ethical...
Words: 2160 - Pages: 9
...The Use of Armed Military Drones Should Be Banned The shape of warfare was changed dramatically over the past decades. In 2001 the armed military drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) was first used in warfare in Afghanistan (Schmit, E. (06.11.2002.)). Recently the world’s praise has been directed towards the military drone, which seems to be the perfect weapon for destruction. Although used more under Obama than Bush (Tschida, T. (26.09.2012.)) and responsible for the deaths of a number of Al Qaeda members the UAV has not been immune to criticism (Volker, K. (27.10.2012.)).[1] Drone attacks can be blamed for a growing irresponsibility as they create an emotional distance between the target and the attacker and lessen the possible losses. Furthermore, they have in no way eliminated the risks of collateral damage not to mention the unresolved issue with [3] promotion of warfare and extrajudicial killings as such. Therefore, the use of armed military drones should be banned. Military drones create more incentive for pilot irresponsibility. Not only does the distance from the actual warfare reduce the ability to fully comprehend the situation, but it also lessens the responsibility felt for the actions as the emotional contact is lacking and the pilot is in a safe situation where a mistake doesn’t mean possible harm coming to him/her. A comparison is often made between flying a drone and playing a video game. The similarity is so clear that even the United States Air Force uses...
Words: 1652 - Pages: 7
...Drones throughout the 21st century have been used to spy on civilians. However, many people prefer to keep their lives as private as possible. In Glenn Greenwald’s article addressing NPR’s domestic drone commercial, he states that drones should not be publicized in the use of a commercial. He expresses his concerns for the publication of drones and what effects drones would have on our privacy. I agree with Greenwald’s accusations that NPR should not have used the commercial to promote drones because it creates bias, does not explain the overall effects drones have on civilization and how it goes against our personal privacy. In NPR’s commercial they express nothing but positive aspects of the drone. Within the five-minute commercial, four...
Words: 849 - Pages: 4
...Safety of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The unmanned Ariel vehicle known as the drone has raised many questions about its presence in the sky, such as does the future of air power belong to unmanned systems? The unmanned Ariel vehicle is used for military and homeland security purposes. The safety of these vehicles for other purposes is under scrutiny. The use of these vehicles in the wrong hands can cause major damage. Unmanned aerial vehicles are rarely used by public safety officials such as police and firefighters. Public safety officials use drones for surveillance to protect unsafe areas, they are used for rescue missions as well. The unmanned aerial vehicle was created to collect data, do border control and other activities. Because of the rapidly growing crimes the unmanned aerial vehicle has mainstreamed. Crisis such as low surveillance and reconnaissance has placed the unmanned aerial vehicle in high demand. The unmanned aerial vehicle has definitely evolved because of innovative technology. Because of new and innovative technologies, one must also ensure the safety and security of unmanned aerial vehicle software. Protecting the safety of the software used to fly the unmanned aerial vehicle is crucial. According to military embedded systems, there are two kinds of standards to consider for UAV safety and security: (Which safety/security standards should be in place, 2013) * Process standards describe the development processes to be followed to ensure that the...
Words: 1980 - Pages: 8
...Ryan Krupansky Krupansky 1 Mr.Esposito English 10 2/20/14 Drones sweeping the nation “Unmanned aircraft help save time, save money, and not to mention saving lives.” States Ben Gielow, general counsel of Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) (Kimery2). Drones have not been around for long periods of time but they have been used quite frequently in America. Government programs, like the military, have currently been the major use for drones. The drones either deliver a military strike or spy behind enemy lines. Some people oppose their use, citing that they are harmful and kill innocent people in blind foreign strikes; and some people say its getting the job done. Although generally Americans support the use of drones, many are on the fence about drones and arguing still continues. Opposers to drones do say accidents happen, but really the question should be how often? Drones harness the potential around the world to bring people to a new age of technology. Domestic drones should be used for public and recreational use. Domestic drones are the new generation of technology in the twenty-first century. They attempt to help everyday citizens. They can also assist people by creating new businesses and helping people do difficult tasks; such as making scientific discoveries, helping the U.S. economy by creating new jobs and industry, or even assisting the ones who save our lives and keep us safe. A 2013 report by the Association for Unmanned...
Words: 1892 - Pages: 8
...also another exercise in nation building. Thirdly, though America (at least publicly) had been chasing Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan, he was ultimately captured from about an hour's drive from Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad. Fourthly, Osama Bin Laden's assassination came after a blatant violation of Pakistan's national sovereignty by American special forces and without the knowledge of its infamously strong military. Fifthly, Osama Bin Laden's body was disposed in secrecy, and though the opportunity was there to bring the most wanted man in the world to trial, it was deemed unsuitable for the American cause to do so. However, all these concerns though important, are dwarfed when compared to the American policy of conducting drone attacks within Pakistani borders. Interestingly, all of these concerns remain relevant to the issue of drone operations conducted by America within the Pakistani territory. The paper will analyze the use of drone attacks with a primary focus on whether the use of drones can be justified, and attempt to prove that the use of drones is in fact a moral and an administrative evil. History and Nature Of The Conflict The notion of conflict here...
Words: 3157 - Pages: 13
... We have since exercised a power military force against out enemies that is one of the most technological advanced in the world. A controversial offensive strategy used by our military is to strike enemy target from the air using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS’s). Formerly known as Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV’s), these highly advanced mechanized drones have been a controversial part of our military since they have been commissioned for use. From friendly fire, attacking civilians, and crossing into another countries airspace illegally these drones and their pilots have proved that this new technology must be carefully used with a level of expertise and caution, and abide to international aerospace, war and humanitarian laws worldwide. The new domestic controversial issue that deemed unethical by a majority of the U.S. population is using these UAS’s on U.S. soil, as they are co notated as a military surveillance weapon. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) has just permitted the use of these drone to civilian, government, and research agencies with strict guidelines however, the FAA is planning to opening the skies to public and private drones by 2015 and projecting that more than 30,000 UAS’s could be in flight nationwide by 2020. I feel that allowing and permitting the use of UAS’s in the United States without proper polices and strict laws in place are unethical. Specifically in California lawmakers are looking to attract the drone industry to the state by passing UAS...
Words: 977 - Pages: 4
...especially in the military sector. These modern designed aircrafts, autonomously or remote controlled, have already shown that they will play an important role in the future global environment. The research process which is used for describing methodology was grounded theory, with structure elicitation technique. Qualitative data were collected by a questionnaire, which referred to a number of 16 people who have Cypriot citizenship. This research, answered in questions such as: should Cyprus participate with drone procurement? Furthermore, what will be the reactions and concerns of civilians when they inform about the existence of this advanced program in National Guard and that can be used as a weapon? The existing army equipment is modern or obsolete? Must National Guard upgrade the existing weapons and communication equipment? Evaluating the results of the questionnaire it can be said that the majority of the participants believe that the current military equipment is not appropriate or high advanced and it needs to be upgraded with weapons and communication systems. Most of the participants supported the idea of introducing UAVs in the Cyprus army. Additionally, the participants did not express major concerns about drone procurement except from the need of compliance between UAVs utilization and human rights (illegal surveillance from the sky). Keywords- drones; use of drones in army; military drone; drones perceptions; drones science; policies; ...
Words: 4578 - Pages: 19
...The Strategic Use of Drones in Modern Warfare Caleb E. Moore IS 3310 Troy University Author Note This article is intended solely for research and will have no biased opinions. Table of Contents 1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Title page. 2------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table of Contents. 3-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract. 4-5 --------------------------------------------The Strategic Use of Drones in Modern Warfare. 5-6 ----------------------------------------------------------The Effectiveness of Drone Warfare. 6-7 –-----------------------------------------------------------------The Financial Cost of Drones. 7-8 –-----------------------------------------------------The Operational Capabilities of Drones. 8-9 –-------------------------------------------------------------------- Fueling Anti-Americanism. 9-10-------------------------------------------------------The Limitations of Drone Capabilities. 10-12 –------------------------------------------------------------------------The Future of Drones. 12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reference Page. Abstract The emergence of drone warfare has completely revolutionized the strategy of our military surveillance and fights overseas. This study is intended to analyze...
Words: 3596 - Pages: 15
...CIVIL AND SOCIAL USES OF DRONES. March 21, 2016 Drones, otherwise known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or Remotely Piloted Vehicles, are pilotless aerial vehicles which can be guided either through remote control from its control base or can navigate autonomously based on a preprogrammed software. Drones are often classified into military and civilian drones. Both with individual characteristics which distinguish them. The most outright difference is their functions, whereby military drones are used in the military setting whereas civilian drones are used in less ‘violent' functions and are unarmed, unlike their military counterparts. Eddie Codel, a digital photographer behind the first ever Flying Robot International Film Festival, stated that “Drones are now being used to help humanity tackle global issues”. This is especially true for the civilian drones which so far scientists are trying to get their relevance in almost every aspect of life. “The applications of drones are as limitless as the imagination” added Codel. As per what can be seen today, this is especially true in the fields where drones have been applied and have brought forth untold success. Areas like; search and rescue operations, Monitoring and inspecting infrastructure ,Aerial photography, filming of events ,Property inspections and appraisals ,Agricultural surveys, inspections, and maintenance ,Private surveillance and investigation ,Commercial aerial photography ,Entertainment, video feeds, filming...
Words: 988 - Pages: 4
...Drones Kill Innocents Is it worth killing many innocents? Drones, weapons that are used to end and help prevent war, not to keep others in fear. Drones should not be allowed to help kill in war, drones are killing many innocent people. Even Though drones will soon be here to help with deliveries or “delivering emergency medical supplies, fighting fires, and protecting endangered animals in africa from attacks by poachers” (Source A). It is just not right to have drones flying around killing innocent and having people kept in fear. One of the main reasons why drones should not be used in warfare is, because “Drones kill innocent people by mistake, War is ugly and deadly” (Source I). There are those who claim that “Drones have already transformed modern warfare. Sitting in front of a video screen at a military base in the U.S.,drone operators use joysticks to pilot drones over targets thousands of miles away” (Source A); however, in reality when the drone’s operators are so tranquil. “Drone strikes kill large number of civilians and traumatize local populations” (Source J). Source J stating that civilians and local population live in fear by the Drone, thinking at any...
Words: 449 - Pages: 2
...During WWI, experimentation of drones within the military began. Since then, drones have aided the military in air strikes, stealth missions, and much more. Recently, drones have begun to be used outside of warfare for private and commercial purposes. Drones, which can fly for up to 30 hours, have the ability to perform tasks that are too dangerous, risky, and hazardous for humans, making them a valuable addition in certain businesses. However, many oppose drones due to their high definition cameras and ability to track individuals for extended periods of time. Stalking someone has never been easier! Fearing for their right to privacy, some people are calling for private and commercial drones to be banned. After analyzing all the facts it is clear commercial and private drones should not be banned because drones can replace humans in doing dangerous tasks, and the use of drones has the...
Words: 456 - Pages: 2
...Picture Ethics 9 Big Picture Ethics 12 Deontology. 12 Relativism 15 Virtue ethics 17 Future use: 19 Recommendation 21 Individual Opinion 22 Kevin Ngo 22 Matthew Truong 25 Reference List 27 Executive Summary Introduction Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can generally be defined as a “device used or intended to be used for flight in the air that has no on-board pilot”. Current generations of UAVs “can be as small as an insect or as large as a charter flight”. They can be launched from a road or a small vehicle, but are often large enough to accommodate cameras, sensors or other information gathering equipment. Recently, discussions of UAVs have shifted most of the attention toward the ethical, legal and privacy implications that UAVs have, on society in global and domestic level. Overview Definition ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- There are many various terms used to identify these unmanned vehicles to which by its definition are that of a craft without a human pilot within. The most commonly accepted term would be UAV ( unmanned aerial vehicles); the US military much prefer to call it RPV( remote pilot vehicles) due to the prevalent negative connotations of warfare UAV has with the media ... ( reference guardian article) . ------------------------------------------------- Regardless of name preference, we believe there is consensus that these vehicles are pieces of...
Words: 7338 - Pages: 30
...Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS), also known as drones, are aircraft either controlled by ‘pilots’ from the ground or following a pre-programmed mission. While there are dozens of different types of drones, they basically fall into two categories: those that are used for exploration and surveillance purposes and those that are armed with missiles and bombs. Frontline reports that since September 11, 2001, the number of drones in the U.S.’s military arsenal has expanded from 60 to more than 6,000, with President Obama making unprecedented use of these robotic warriors. The purpose of this paper will be to draw attention to the pros and cons of the U.S Military using drones. The use of drones has grown quickly in recent years because unlike manned aircraft they can stay aloft for many hours, they are much cheaper than military aircraft and they are flown by remote control so there is no danger to the flight crew. Drones strikes have taken out some of Al-Qaeda's most notorious figures, including American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. UAVs are made at a significantly lower cost compared to manned vehicles. Although, they can get pretty expensive depending on their sophistication; this should allow the military to buy UAVs in much larger quantities than manned aircrafts. Expendability, you can afford to send them into heavily defended areas and risk losing some without endangering a pilot. UAVs are more maneuverable than manned planes without the limitations of a human pilot. They...
Words: 331 - Pages: 2
...The Drone Strikes Again Take a moment and imagine this: for every terrorist killed by a U.S. drone strike, 50 Pakistani civilians fall victims to these ruthless attacks. According to an article written by David Kilcullen and Andrew McDonald from the NY Times, “press reports suggest that over the last three years drone strikes have killed about 14 terrorist leaders. But, according to Pakistani sources, they have also killed some 700 civilians. This is 50 civilians for every militant killed, a hit rate of 2 percent — hardly “precision”” (Killcullen, McDonald 9). Regardless if the number of casualties of innocent people caused by drone strikes has increased or decreased, the policy itself should be eliminated if there is even the slightest chance that innocent lives will be at stake. Kant was not a consequentialist theorist; in other words, he believed that despite the outcome of an action being good or bad, what was important was the premeditated idea behind the action, was it right or wrong, unrelated to the consequences. Therefore, if actions are not based on consequences, Kant’s theory would support the argument that using drone tactics to eliminate terrorists is morally unacceptable, for the following reasons: the U.S. military is using drone tactics against terrorist without their consent, and innocent lives are being taken at the push of a button. As humans, our moral duty is to treat people in such a way that shows them respect, as though they are autonomous beings with...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
