Precision Guided Munitions
During the Persian Gulf War of 1991 a new class of weapons made its debut and presaged a revolution in military affairs. Although precision-guided munitions (PGMs), ranging from laser-guided bombs to Tomahawk cruise missiles, represented only a fraction of the total ordinance used in Iraq, the effect they had was electric. The television footage of a bomb dropped from more than 6 miles above descending onto its target and hitting with absolute precision was at once fascinating and jarring. The Gulf War demonstrated the power that precision aerial attacks possessed. The accuracy and lethality of air launched munitions during the Gulf war was in sharp contrast to the relative crudity of aerial bombing during World War II.
In Iraq and later in Kosovo, precision-guided munitions (PGM) demonstrated their capabilities. The US waged a type of warfare in these campaigns that was markedly different from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The US is still coming to grips with the implications of the new type of warfare it has released. The development of accurate precision-guided munitions was not revolutionary, but an evolutionary process that took the course of half a century. Today most precision-guided munitions can be classified by their guidance or propulsion systems. Precision-guided munitions affect the military in three areas. First precision-guided munitions have challenged time-honored traditions of mass. Second, precision-guided munitions have unique information needs. Finally, the capabilities of precision-guided munitions have significant implications on acquisitions policy. Regardless of whether or not precision-guided munitions are part of a larger revolution in military, the implications of precision-guided munitions for the US military are significant.
Historical Evolution of Accuracy
Ever since man first threw stones at their fellow men, the elusive goal of killing one’s opponent from a distance, with absolute precision has been a holy grail of warfare. Weapons such as bows and arrows, rifles, and artillery, were all designed for increased lethality at longer distances, with less risk to the operator. PGMs provide just that capability; that is the capability to put ordinance on target with precision at long ranges. Precision has always played a role in warfare. Whether it was marksmanship with bow or rifle, the ability to place a projectile on target contributed greatly to victory. PGMs were designed with just that function in mind.
Galpin, D. and Bates, N. 2009. Social work practice with adults. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
In Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Iraqi forces fired 93 Scud missiles at coalition forces in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. (Rostker) Air Defense Artillery (ADA) played an immensely significant role in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with units from 11th Brigade Air Defense Artillery and the 32d Air Defense Command rapidly deploying into theater. The effectiveness of the units and their roles in fighting this war proved that Air Defense Artillery was critical to the success of the campaign. Although Patriot Batteries placed strategically throughout Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel played a tremendous tactical role in these wars, High-Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) was not the only type of surface to air missile system in place to protect ground forces and valuable military assets. Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) units also deployed with the air defense units. These weapon systems, integrated with ground forces, provided air defense to dominate against aircraft and Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBM) on the front lines.
With the goals of 2010 in mind, it is important for the AHA to be able to measure the actions of their employees and ensure the alignment of their behaviors with the strategic goals of the association. The Balance Score Card developed below serves as universal tool to do just that, but also sends a message to leaders and employees across the association that this is the new strategic direction the association will be moving, and this is it will be mapped and measured to ensure we reach our goals for 2010.
This project is about some of the weapons used by American soldiers during World War II. The weapons included are some of the most used and reliable used by American infantrymen throughout the war. Of all of the weapons used by American infantrymen these weapons were produced in greater quantities than others and also were favorites of the American men that used to fight in World War II. Some of these weapons were manufactured and used before World War II, but were produced and used on a larger scale in World War II. Weapon descriptions, main uses and ammunition fired from them will be discussed in the report. How they were beneficial to the American soldiers that used them will also be discussed. Some of these weapons were thought to be superior to others used by American soldiers, as well as those used by enemy forces. These weapons are unique in their own way and used by soldiers with confidence that they were going to perform as they needed them to in battle.
For the purpose of this assignment I will consider how I have already started to develop as a ‘Critical Practitioner’. By this statement I would put forward how I am being ‘open minded’, use a ‘reflective approach’ that takes account of ‘different perspectives, experiences and assumptions’ (Glaister cited in the reader pg 8). I will discuss how my practice has developed and has been influenced by K315 course materials such as Barnett’s three domains of critical practice, action, reflexivity and analysis (Barnett cited in Glaister in the Reader p. 13) as key aspects of understanding the complexities involved in practicing critically. I will also discuss the importance of Glaister’s three pillars of everyday practice, ‘Forging of relationships’, ‘empowering others’ and ‘making a difference’. (Glaister cited in the reader pp. 17-21). I will analyse and evaluate my progress using examples from my practice learning opportunity in a Criminal Justice setting which will illustrate ways in which I have begun to demonstrate the autonomy required of a qualified worker, ‘respecting others as equal’s and the ‘open and not knowing approach’ (Glaister cited in the reader pp 12-14) whilst working to SiSWE standards. I will conclude by demonstrating why as a Critical Practitioner and reflective thinker I have been able to make informed judgements that seek to empower the service user, allowing them to take account of their views whilst balancing the complexity of professional power issues.
...In conclusion, learn from your mistakes, remember what talents got you where you are today and success will eventually come along the way.
O'Neil, L. (2012, August 3). Using theory in social work practice | Social Care Network | Guardian Professional. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/social-life-blog/2012/aug/03/using-theory-social-work-practice.
The world erupted in outrage following revelations by Edward Snowden regarding the extent of surveillance perform by the National Security Agency. Privacy becomes one of the hottest topic of 2013 and was chosen by the world’s most popular online dictionary, Dictionary.com, as the Word of the Year. However, the government is not the only one that conduct data gathering and surveillance. Employers often monitor their employees, and businesses collect data on theirs customer. The morality of these practices is a topic that generates heated debate.
...you in your past, you are not your past, you are the resources and the capabilities you glean from it. And that is the basis for all change.” In conclusion, learn from your mistakes, remember what talents got you where you are today and success will eventually come along the way.
Kondrat, M. E. (2002). Actor-centered Social Work: Re-visioning ‘Persons-in-Environment’ Through a Critical Theory Lens. Social Work, 47, pp. 435–48.
The Balanced Scorecard is a strategic planning and management system used to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization by monitoring performance against strategic goals. It is used extensively in business and industry, government and non-profit organizations worldwide to provide a framework that not only provides performance measurements, but helps planners identify what should be done and measured.
Wilson, K. et. al., 2011. Social Work ' Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed. Essex, England.: Pearson Education Ltd .
“I believe that operational-level commanders must first master the basic philosophy and principles of warfare. Only then can they make current or new technologies their servant.” Since 1947, airpower theory had the greatest impact on the employment of American airpower, because the promise of strategic bombing would deliver decisive effects and achieve a swift victory continued throughout the wars in Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. Although strategies, doctrines and technology changed over time, the application of US airpower revealed the dependence on the traditional air power theory in the second half of the twentieth century. In the first part, this paper will present the main prophecies and predictions of two of the most relevant airpower theorists.
Watson, D & West, J 2006, Social work process and practice: approaches, knowledge, and skills, Palgrave Macmillan, Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York.
A Balanced Scorecard can be defined as a “performance management tool which began as a concept for measuring whether the smaller-scale operational activities of a company are aligned with its larger-scale objectives in terms of vision and strategy” (Wikipedia 2009, ¶ 1). Scents & Things will need to develop a balanced scorecard that will assist in meeting and help define the company’s values, mission, vision, and SWOT analysis. The balance scorecard is made up of four perspectives; financial, customer, learning and growing, and internal process. This paper will define each of the four perspectives objectives, performance measures, targets, and initiatives. The paper will also show how the perspectives relate to Scents & Things vision, mission, values, and SWOTT analysis.