The Hidden Benefits of DoD Research and Development: Why Public Support Matters
The Department of Defense (DoD) is often recognized for its crucial role in national security, but its contributions to research and development (R&D) have profound impacts that extend far beyond military applications. Unfortunately from SXSW’s banning of the Army and the defense industry to calls from students for Carnegie Mellon University to no longer accept R&D funding from the U.S. military many people do not realize the significant positive impacts that the Department of Defense’s spending on R&D has on their own lives. These advancements frequently transition into civilian life, enhancing everyday experiences and driving technological innovation.
Below is only a fraction of what has come out of the Department of Defense’s R&D spending.
Advancements in Medical Technology
Trauma Care and Emergency Medicine: Military medical research has led to significant advancements in trauma care, such as QuickClot, a hemostatic agent developed to control severe bleeding on the battlefield. These innovations are now standard in civilian emergency medical kits, used by first responders and in emergency rooms, improving survival rates and recovery outcomes.
Pioneering the Internet and GPS
Internet: The internet's origins trace back to ARPANET, a project funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the late 1960s. ARPANET introduced packet-switching technology, which became the foundation for the modern internet. Today, the internet facilitates global communication, e-commerce, education, and entertainment, making it indispensable in our daily lives.
Global Positioning System (GPS): Developed by the DoD in the 1970s for military navigation, GPS became fully operational in 1995. It provides precise location and time information globally. GPS technology is now embedded in smartphones, car navigation systems, precision agriculture, disaster relief operations, and various location-based services like Uber and food delivery apps.
Innovations in Materials Science
Kevlar and Advanced Composites: Materials like Kevlar, developed by DuPont with DoD funding in the 1960s, were initially used for military protection. Today, Kevlar is widely used in body armor for law enforcement, sports equipment, and personal protective gear in various industries, offering enhanced safety and performance.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Robotics: The PackBot, developed by iRobot with DARPA funding, was originally used for bomb disposal and reconnaissance. The same autonomous navigation technologies are now applied in the Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner that makes household chores easier.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): DARPA's early AI research in the 1980s and 1990s laid the groundwork for machine learning and neural networks. AI technologies now power voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, recommendation algorithms for Netflix and Amazon, and autonomous driving systems.
Energy and Environmental Technologies
Renewable Energy Technologies: The DoD’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and develop renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, were initially aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels for deployed troops. These technologies are now common in civilian energy systems, contributing to sustainability and energy security.
Communication Technologies
Satellites and Wireless Communication: The development of communication satellites by the DoD in the 1960s enabled reliable global communication. Today, satellite TV, mobile phone networks, and global internet services rely on satellite communications, ensuring seamless connectivity worldwide.
Supporting DoD R&D is not just about enhancing military capabilities; it is also about fostering innovations that transform our lives and societies. From the internet and GPS to medical advancements and renewable energy technologies, DoD-funded research has consistently driven technological progress and economic growth. Pretending like it doesn’t or that anything that the Department of Defense touches is evil and beyond the pale is both foolhardy and lacks important context.
