The Incredible Use of Trained Animals in Modern Warfare

 

In today's modern warfare, highly advanced technologies and machines are often used for combat and intelligence gathering. However, there are some unusual but highly effective ways of gathering information and carrying out attacks. This involves the use of trained animals such as honey bees, pigeons, and dolphins.

Honey bees, for instance, are being trained to act as sensors to detect explosives and narcotics. These tiny insects can sense any chemical within few hours of training through a process called conditioning. They are immobilized in a small capsule and exposed to vapors of a chemical before being rewarded with sugar syrup. 

The bees learn to stick out their proboscis every time they detect the chemical, and this behavior is conditioned through repetition. Once trained, the honey bees are loaded into a device that sucks air onto sensitive antennae. When the bees detect the smallest smell of the chemical, they stick out their tongue, which is picked up by the device as a positive signal.

Similarly, pigeons have been trained to guide missiles towards their targets. The process involves training the pigeon to peck at a moving image of the ship on the screen before it is given food. Once trained, the pigeon is put inside a missile before a small monitor. The pigeon pecks repeatedly on the ship image, guiding the missile towards its target.

Dolphins are also being used to detect underwater explosives. These highly intelligent creatures are trained to locate and signal the presence of underwater mines. They are able to detect even the smallest changes in underwater environments through their natural echolocation ability. The dolphins are trained to swim to the location of the mine and signal their handler before returning to their starting point.

The use of trained animals in modern warfare may seem unusual, but it is highly effective. These creatures possess abilities that machines and technology cannot replicate. Their natural instincts and abilities can be harnessed through conditioning and training to carry out tasks that would otherwise be impossible for humans or machines.

In conclusion, the use of trained animals in modern warfare is a testament to the ingenuity of humans in utilizing all resources available to them. From honey bees to dolphins, these creatures are playing a vital role in ensuring the success of various military operations. The effectiveness of these animals in warfare highlights the importance of recognizing and preserving the natural abilities of all living creatures.