this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2024
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As a former infantryman I have great difficulty watching these drone videos.
Don't at me about the rights and wrongs of the wider conflict, and I agree that the Russians shouldn't be there. But don't forget, these cheap grunt killers will be coming at your servicemen in future conflicts.
The final image you will see of a loved and respected brother or sister will be a panicked, screaming US soldier trying to outrun an explosive toy. No doubt about it.
I don’t disagree with your argument, but I am curious. Where does your difficulty with the video primarily reside at?
I can’t imagine the trauma of surviving an attack from one of these. The fear that something might fly in at any moment to chase you around to kill you would be more terrifying than being shot at. Maybe you could defend against it with a shotgun, but if the lower cost meant an adversary can send multiple at each soldier, then it becomes a game of numbers where the soldier is likely to be overwhelmed. Not a future I’d want to witness.
Thank you for your thoughtful question.
My response was probably very emotional in that I took the infantry role very personally. There is a million ways for a grunt to get taken out in battle. However, mostly each combatant takes a measure of risk - including pilots and artillerymen. In the case of drone operators you could be blown up by some cunt sitting in his pajamas taking no personal risk in the fight.
Don't bother arguing that this also can happen in a score of different scenarios - I get it. This is an emotional reaction, but feel the same as for IEDs. Australia banned the use of landmines under the Ottawa Treaty for this reason in 1999.
I don't expect much support for this view, and that's cool. It just seems cowardly.
If it's helpful the FPV pilots are nearby and are a priority target for each side.
These are essentially loitering munitions---a mass-produced version of the switchblade. I personally think that the next phase is that people will develop really good weapons for knocking them out of the sky, either by shooting them down (maybe the combat shotgun makes a comeback?) or ECM or both. Hopefully Ukraine is ahead of Russia on this.
I hope so, Brother.
Honestly your reaction and response are completely understandable from where I stand.
Thanks man. Many will consider me naive, and perhaps I am?
I just get no joy in seeing these vids even if the Russians put themselves in harm's way. Some didn't, but we're forced at the point of a gun. Shitty way to go in either case.
Peace out.
Was it rude? I was genuinely curious as I could see a myriad of valid reasons why the introduction or use of these drones are worrisome. I myself am torn over certain aspects of their use and design that drives me to wonder whether or not they may inflict unnecessary suffering. I cannot argue against their efficiency (nor their need), and I believe that Ukraine has every right to defend itself and repel Russia as an invading force, but they brought up a valid point about what the future could hold in using this technology for warfare. I just wanted to understand them, personally, and the reservations that drove their stance on it.
Honestly I don't get you. You are mad at "pajama-clad cunt" who is very much still in danger, but more importantly, is only defending his country and loved ones, instead of the real cunts in Kremlin who are responsible for it all.
I couldn't be clearer in what I said. If you don't understand my point of view I suggest that you reread my statements.
On the other hand, if you don't agree with me, then that's fine as well.