In addition to the advantages of having largely crewless supply convoys, this Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) initiative has an interesting combat aspect that could apply to the entire Army and Marine Corps:
Some of these vehicles could have remotely controlled gun turrets, with the operators back at some base, ready to go into action. A few human gun turret operators could be on duty for several convoys. The U.S. has already developed predictive analysis systems that determine the probability of attacks on convoys, and more gun turret operators could be on call, since anyone who has played video games can quickly learn how to operate one of these turrets.
I mentioned this concept as a source of firepower for new combat vehicles:
I have to wonder if there will be a cavalry scout vehicle that carries just a couple dismounts instead of the nine-man squad? The Bradley has a cavalry version like that.
If so, could you up the firepower with a pair of CROWS-like weapons stations where the extra seven men would go that are remotely controlled by soldiers back at a higher headquarters? Or even back in CONUS?
It seems my notion wasn't as speculative as I thought back then.
One advantage of this capability is that it has the potential to really screw with the minds of jihadis who believe that their own death is wonderful if they can kill even one Infidel. Does dying while killing a robot operated by an Infidel far away get you into Paradise?
