Computers in the Military

The armed forces have a very complex supply chain, where the right item needs to be in the right place at the right time. This could be anything from bread rolls for lunch to a tank to patrol a war zone. The logistics are handled with the help of computer systems where items are tracked by technologies such as barcodes and RFID devices.   Smart weapons. There are many reasons why it is desirable to have accurate weapons. Weapon systems, such as a missile, have sophisticated on-board computer systems, able to track exactly where it is at any instant in time. For example, the on-board computer system can connect to GPS navigation satellites to work out its current path in real-time.   Command and control Armies work through a chain of command. Generals issue orders to their officers who issue orders to their troops. All this requires a very reliable, tough and secure communication system. The heart of such a system are computer systems, from a digital radio backpack carried by a soldier to a sophisticated satellite system in space.   21st century soldier 'Situational awareness' is the key term. Imagine a platoon where every soldier knows exactly where their comrades are in real-time through a helmet-mounted graphics display. They can also connect to real-time video feeds from hovering cameras if need be. Gradually this is becoming a reality, and computer systems are at the heart of it.

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