Responding to emerging requirements in battlefield medicine associated with increases in expeditionary deployments, special forces continue to evolve their practices to safely operate in areas lacking even the most basic support infrastructure.
Traditionally deployed in a variety of force components ranging from 60-strong Special Operations Task Groups (SOTGs) down to two-man teams, special forces are often required to organically support themselves. This is because larger, conventional medical support units can potentially be located across borders, or at forward operating bases, sometimes hundreds of kilometres away, defence sources associated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Special Operations Forces Headquarters (NSHQ), based in Mons, southern Belgium, described to Armada. However, special forces continue to rely upon battlefield medicine to support not only themselves but local populations where a requirement to influence local civilians, via so-called ‘hearts and minds’ efforts remain critical ‘support and influence’ factors in contemporary counterinsurgency missions.
The latest trends in battlefield medicine range from next-generation pharmacology solutions, aimed at preventing the onset of symptoms, which can negate the effects or even cancel a mission, through to tactical systems deployed on the battlefield and improved training regimes, aimed a enhancing individual operator and small unit TTPs (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures). Many of these battlefield medicine solutions continue to be developed by multinational bodies including the NSHQ, as well as at the national level by the likes of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) which must also rely upon significant support from industry and academe alike.
EVOLVING REQUIREMENTS
Bu hikaye Armada International dergisinin October 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Armada International dergisinin October 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Best Supporting Actors
The nature of modern day operations means that air strikes are often the primary form of attack used against targets, and traditional battlefields, which generally only involve the two opposing sides but that are away from civilians, reside for now in the history books.
Suits Of Armour
Helicopter armour that protects aircrew members and passengers from small arms fire is a proven requirement driven by recent, and ongoing, conflicts in the Iraq/Syria and central Asian theatres, meanwhile the drive towards lighter armour will continue.
Up Close And Personal
Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) are effectively the ‘last line of defence’ for naval vessels. CIWS have evolved in recent years as the immediate threats to ships have grown more complex, with new avenues of development in the domain for companies and navies alike.
Small Targets Present Big Challenges
Counter Insurgency (COIN) campaigns present some of the most demanding missions for military aircraft involved in Close Air Support (CAS). Yet improvements in sensors and weapons are honing the ability of air power to deliver decisive effects in this regard.
Commercial Break
Despite a reduction in US strategic commitments around the world, the commercial Satellite Communications (SATCOM) industry is confident that military demand will increase as countries seek to diversify supply and augment nationally-owned capabilities.
Doctor And The Medics
Responding to emerging requirements in battlefield medicine associated with increases in expeditionary deployments, special forces continue to evolve their practices to safely operate in areas lacking even the most basic support infrastructure.
Wheels And Tracks For The God Of War
Self-Propelled Artillery (SPA) has many inherent advantages over towed artillery. These include its greater tactical mobility, the ability to provide protection to the crew, the carriage of onboard ammunition, and the possibility for automation of all firing functions.
Superiority Complex
The world’s air forces deploy a variety of Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM). This article profiles some of the leading European, Israeli and North American efforts for prosecuting within visual range and beyond visual range engagements.
Over The Ocean
While they are primarily used by air forces, with armies, following closely behind, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming an asset that naval forces are increasingly interested in operating, although the introduction of them comes with a number of challenges.
