Human Factors, Ethics and Morality

Human Factors, Ethics and Morality

Traditionally, manned aircraft warfare has presented itself with the inherent risk of losing the lives of the flight crews in the performance of their duties. While this is not always deterrence to swift action, it is a consideration that must be addressed prior to execution of missions. One key aspect that is always a significant input, is the role that human intervention and situational insertion of our moral consideration play in our decision making process.

Just War theory utilizes the notions that certain principles should guide our conduct, even in extreme situations. As described in Just War Theory and the Ethics of Drone Warfare, four main principles make up Jus in Bello (Freiberger, 2013). The principle of military necessity, the principle of distinction (between military and civilians), the principle of proportionality (action must be proportionate to objective), and the principle of humanity (care should be taken to ensure no undue suffering or action is taken upon civilians or their property) (Freiberger, 2013).

The Law of Armed Conflict seeks to align these same principles and identify the moral and ethical considerations that member countries agree are necessary to ensure that was that is fought is done so in an acceptable manner by outlying what are legal and illegal actions and combatants. Unfortunately, as populations increase and technologies become increasingly advanced, we are further removed from the actions of war, and actions have become closer to large civilian populations. Thus, “this trend has blurred the line between combatants and civilians and made it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate targets” ( Kreps & Kaag, 2012).

While manned aircraft operations may offer a larger picture of surroundings and allow for consideration of more variables, UAS operations have typically been limited by their onboard sensor and camera capability. Being removed from the action may perhaps reduce the internal turmoil that may typically be encountered when determining targets and making the kill decision. Also, target acquisition and tracking may be hindered by the low quality of the video streams typically associated with UAS cameras.

Conversely, utilization of UAS can also improve the chances of getting actionable and valid information regarding targets. UAS are able to hover and track for extended periods of time from extended heights, allowing for determination of the best point of mission execution. As one pilot explains, “I see mothers with children, I see fathers with children, I see fathers with mothers, I see kids playing soccer, before the call comes to fire a missile and kill the target” (Bumiller, 2012).

I do think that although there is a physical separation between the UAS operator and the targets in warfare, that there is still the emotional connection to a kill action similar to that of manned aircraft operations. Operators still know that their actions have a consequence that ends the life of another human. As with any military action, there is always the possibility of bad intelligence leading to the realization of action taken that negatively affects civilians or results in collateral damage. As technology in sensor and cameras becomes more sophisticated, such as in the ARGUS system, the ability to monitor and get a bigger picture of situations with greater clarity and scope will improve the ability to make more informed decisions on the battlefield.

References

Bumiller, E. (2012, July 29). A Day Job Waiting for a Kill Shot a World Away. Retrieved from    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/30/us/drone-pilots-waiting-for-a-kill-shot-7000-miles-away.html?_r=0

Freiberger, E. (2013, July 18). Just War Theory and the Ethics of Drone Warfare. Retrieved from http://www.e-ir.info/2013/07/18/just-war-theory-and-the-ethics-of-drone-warfare/

Kreps, S., & Kaag, J. (2012, April). The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Contemporary Conflict: A Legal and Ethical Analysis. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/992898373