The Effects of Nanotechnology in the Armed Forces

Dylan Baum

Nanotechnology, the study of molecules a billionth of a meter in size, is a field of science

that has been influencing many diverse groups of study in the recent years. With its advances
making it a more worldwide subject, many wonder at the potential it yields for the armed forces
around the world. The United States is currently leading in its development. In fact, all branches
of the U.S. military are currently conducting nanotechnology research (Tate). This brings with it
many hopes, as well as many fears, over its implementation.
War has been around, sadly, almost since the beginning of the human race. As such,
different sides of the battle field have always been trying to get the upper hand. Advances in
nanotechnology offer this advantage. Quickly finding out what it offers is a race where all
contenders are interested in the results. From shrinking the size of weapons and satellites to
lightening the load of war on soldiers both physically and mentally. It could be suggested that
whichever side of a battle uses nanotechnology could flip the tables for a more favorable
outcome. Since the effects of this technology it is important to learn simultaneously the benefits
and drawbacks, as well be explained in this essay.
To fully understand what effect nanotech will have on the future, its important to review
its origin and those who have helped lead it to its current position in our government labs. A big
name to start with is Richard Feynman. He was a physicist in the early 1900s. Right from the
start his research had a hand in war, as he assisted in the development of the atomic bomb. He
was the first to suggest the possibility of moving atoms one at a time to form structures and
different designs. This was later proven by IBM, using a scanning tunneling microscope to

individually move Zenon atoms. This opened the door greatly for imagination to many more
researchers. One of the most notable is K. Eric Drexler, known for coining the term
nanotechnology in the sense that it is now understood. He claimed how a revolution in this
study could drastically change civilization. The last research to acknowledge is Michael Faraday.
He discovered what is today know as colloidal mixtures. Basically, these fluids are formed when
particles on the nanoscale are suspended in a liquid and stay suspended indefinitely.
However, due to this being a relatively recent field, much of the research is on-going.
Much of these applications are speculative, with more experiments needed before conclusions
can be drawn. But it is worth noting that a part of the history behind the military using this type
of technology, is and will include, studies over its legal and ethical uses. All new advances, such
as the discovery of nuclear weapons, must go through the process of when its ok to use them
and how much is too much. This will surely be a large part of its history should the government
continue researching how to better take advantage of what it has to offer.
So, what exactly does it have to offer? Many wonder if any of the ideas are even feasible.
Nevertheless, based on many reports written on the topic, there are numerous opportunities for
something as diverse as nanotechnology. To start of is magneto rheological fluid, or MR fluid.
This is where colloidal Ferrofluids experience magnetic fields, causing the particles to either
solidify or soften. The particles are within 20-50 nanometers (a billionth of a meter) in diameter.
Depending on its desired application, this fluid could either be used in buildings to protect
against bombings and other forceful impacts. Also, research is going into its use as body armor
for soldiers. Many possibilities are open, especially when taken into account the different
particles and their unique properties. One is using particles that heat up when a current is sent

though, for use in the cold, icy environments war can extend to, and at a portion of the needed
electricity.
Robots are not a new idea in the world of science. However, robots on the micro scale are
emerging thanks to nanotechnology. Nano sized satellite robots and sensors to detect enemy
encampments are being designed. Theyve even gone so far as to suggest robotics atop bugs like
cockroaches, mixing in with biology (Shibaugh). Men such as Constantios Mavroidis have
undergone this topic and claim that such robotics would have capabilities such as swarm
intelligence and a macro world interface for control and maintenance.
Having seen these possibilities, its not very difficult to understand what the armed forces
foresee in developing further this technology. According to Shipbaugh, there are various
motivations to it, all of which lie in between either Pacifism or Realism. Pacifism refers to a
defense oriented incorporation of nanotechnology. Realism is just the opposite, an offense take
on it. For the first, soldiers could have increased strength in their body armor due to colloidal
fluids. Plus, have the added benefit of decreased overall weight of equipment. As of now, the
average soldier carries around 60 pounds, thats the weight of a small child on your back. With
these advances that weight could be fractioned, allowing for better movement. As well as the
individual person, whole nations could be benefitted from this defensive stance. Many advances
in sensors would help in early detection of such dangers such as missiles and aircraft.
Realism techniques tend to focus on a more aggressive approach to war instead of
defense and protection. Such tactics could include advanced chemical and biological weapons,
better aiming systems for missiles, and as stated previously, automatous micro robots.
Constructing on the nanoscale, claimed Altmann, would provide for safer delivery of these bioweapons. Also, coating with selective chemicals would allow for selective delivery to certain

groups or certain other atoms. Embedding nanoparticles in metals will provide stronger bullets
and advances in computers will provide for more accurate satellites in missile strikes. These
same advances in computers give artificial intelligence the needed boost to start being
incorporated more, offering security by taking the front in place of a human being.
However all these advances do not come without a price. Budgets have
limits.(Shipbaugh) One startup cost is simply doing the needed research. Much is still left to the
scientist in discovering its full potential. There are many branches to build up until it can be
effectively put into practice. Once it has, there is the cost of equipping substantially to those who
would use it.
Also, as is in all of the scientific advances, new tech brings new concerns. One of the
relatively recent developments was that of nuclear weapons. When they came into play, many
questioned the ethical use of them in warfare. Nanotechnology is no different. These advances in
sensors and micro robots, used improperly could be a serious infringement on privacy for
nations, and people, not at war since they would be increasingly difficult to detect. The creation
of these nanoscopic materials and compounds could also mean unforeseen harm to the
environment. Since they are something that would need to be man-made, its unclear what effect
they could have on nature, if any at all. With so many variables, its easy to see why some would
have trouble accepting their mass production.
However, now that its started it would be impossible to abandon the idea altogether. On
one hand the possibilities are too great. On the other, this has become a world-wide scramble to
be the first to unlock nanotechnologys full potential. Theoretically, as stated by Tate, Espinoza
and others, such advances could cause grand upsets in future wars leading to once big military
super powers, such as America, in trouble of losing that standing. For this and other reasons no

one wants to stop this research, even with the possible side effects. With so many now following
suit, there is an urgency to keep up the pace on current projects. It is left to preventative arms
control laws to ensure that the very arms we develop arent used inappropriately and that
measures can be taken should they fall into the wrong hands to secure the publics sense of safety.
Many who hear of nanotechnology and its uses may get caught up in a nanohype(Tate).
A world with mini spy robots that can infiltrate any facility and suits that can make a regular
soldier a super soldier sounds too good to be true. While still under heavy speculation, many of
these ideas come rooted in basic science. The notion of making biological weapons target and
react only to a specific group may sound like a stretch. But, if you look the periodic table, and
the law of attraction between atoms, its easy to note that in fact some materials will only bond
or connect with specific types. An example is alkaline metals that react mostly with water
combined with electroplating to theoretically create such a substance coating any biological
weapon. Alongside this in terms of basic science for the nanorobots is Moores law, showing
how the amount of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles almost every two years. Using this
its easy to see how what now fits on a regular sized circuit or chip could be used on the micro
scale given some time.
Overall, nanotechnology offers us many possibilities to incorporate in the armed forces.
Securing a better defensive position or preparing for smarter offense while better protecting those
we are sending to fight our battles. Thanks to those who have helped in this research and
understanding of the basic science principles, hopes are high for the integration of this
technology. As previously stated, it is not without its drawbacks. With so much uncertainty, its
unclear even how much control will need to be placed over what is developed, be it surveillance
micro bots or advanced weaponry. One thing is certain however. Whatever comes from all these

experiments will user in a new set of rules and strategies to follow, changing how we may look at
combat.

Bibliography

Tate, Jitendra S., et al. "Military And National Security Implications Of

Nanotechnology." Journal Of Technology Studies 41.1 (2015): 20-28. Academic Search Premier.
Web. 18 Mar. 2016.
Shipbaugh, Calvin. "Offense-Defense Aspects Of Nanotechnologies: A Forecast Of
Potential Military Applications." Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 34.4 (2006): 741747. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.
Altmann, Jurgen. Military Uses of Nanotechnology: Perspectives and Concerns. Sage
journals.(2004) Security Dialogue. Web. 18 Mar. 2016