us military unveils robotic mule…

[sickle hocks]

robotic mule video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40gECrmuCaU&feature=player_embedded
(link fixed) This is one of the most mind-boggling dumb-assed wastes of money I have seen in ages….can you imagine what it will take to keep half a dozen of these things going in difficult field conditions in some far-flung spot on the globe?? Why in God’s name don’t they just learn how to use mules????

[Wamoo]

We (the military) actually does use mules and donkeys in Afghanistan. The Marine Corp Mountain Warfare School has in fact a “Animal Packing Course”

This is an official description of the course:

PURPOSE: To train Marines and other U.S. military services, and foreign allied personnel
meeting the criteria established in paragraph 16 “Target Population
Description/Prerequisites” of this program of instruction, to become more effective as small units and as leaders in a mountainous environment. Students are taught the necessary skills to enable them to plan, organize, and conduct animal packing, and/or provide advice to senior commanders and staffs.

SCOPE: This course is designed to aid Marine Corps units in alternative methods for transporting crew served weapons, ammunition, supplies, and wounded personnel to and from areas inaccessible to mechanized and air mobile transportation. The course subjects include introduction to animal packing, anatomy of pack animals, animal packing techniques, casualty evacuation techniques, animal first aid, and bivouac considerations.

Here is a link to their course catalog: http://www.mwtc.usmc.mil/s3/MWTC%20Formal%20School%20Course%20Catalog%20April%202012.pdf

They actually have a pretty neat logo.

For me, being in the Coast Guard, the golden age of equine in our service was the beach patrols of WWII.

http://www.uscg.mil/history/uscghist/Beach_Patrol_Photo_Index.asp

The CG’s use of horses since then has been minor, inaugurations and such.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjh2DAtky-o

As far as the robotic mule, it’s hideous to watch. You’re right, it’s a waste of money!

[sickle hocks]

Thanks for your post, it’s interesting to hear that pack animals have been used in afghanistan…seems entirely sensible. I didn’t know about the Coast Guard patrols..the saddles are interesting looking rigs.

I know the military has a long history of working with animal power, that’s why I was surprised to see them throwing money at the robot mule thing which seems better suited to entertaining pimply star wars fans than getting things done somewhere like afghanistan. I was impressed to learn that the artillery horses were driven without blinders back in the day…

(no disrespect to the star wars fans, i like good sci fi too)

[Robert MoonShadow]

@sickle hocks 36456 wrote:

robotic mule video…
Why in God’s name don’t they just learn how to use mules????

Simple: ‘Cuz some mega-corporation can make bazillions from this robo-mule, but not so much from a live one.

[Author]

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