Attitudes of military personnel towards unmanned ground vehicles (UGV): a study of in-depth interview

Abstract

The increasing potential of unmanned systems promises massive changes in military tactics and enormous enhancements to army arsenals. However, these developments also raise many concerns for societies as the use of force could potentially be delegated to autonomous weapons systems (AWS) that could operate without meaningful involvement of the military chain of command. This paper [Article adapts from a collaborative research report of Estonian research group nr R-012 on the iMUGS (Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project, funded by the EDIDP (European Defence Industrial Development Programme).] reports the findings of interviews with military personnel (n = 18), which were conducted to gauge their perceptions and attitudes towards UGVs and the transformation to autonomous weapons. The findings indicate that the patriotic mentality to fight for freedom is perceived as inconceivable for an AI because unmanned platforms can hardly ever be equipped with patriotical algorithms. However, participants agreed that AI-driven machines should be perceived as decision-making instruments at best, with the caveat that any discretion to use lethal force should not be delegated to the machine.