Decades of research has already proven that exposure to radiation from wireless sources – including 5G – is biologically harmful. In fact, last year, a federal court ruled in favor of organizations and petitioners that sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for NOT adequately protecting Americans from wireless radiation exposure. Additionally, in 2019, telecom executives gave congressional testimony that they had NO independent scientific evidence that 5G is safe. Despite the ruling and the congressional testimony, the FCC as well as other federal agencies that are also supposed to protect Americans – including the Department of Defense (DoD) (see 1, 2) – continue to promote and fund the deployment and densification of 5G, 4G, and other wireless infrastructure and devices for widespread use.
In regard to virtual reality (VR), augmented realty (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, they are not exactly the same. However, research has indicated that VR system use can cause behavioral changes, balance problems (see 1, 2), cognitive problems, eye problems (soreness, vision changes), headaches and other discomforts, skin issues, as well as other short-term and/or long-term health issues. AR technolgy does require wearers to wear devices on their heads and over their eyes. That alone could potentially pose some risks to the ground soldiers asked to wear them.
The Army Is Hunting For More Soldier-Connected Tech
A recent solicitation calls for soldier-centered networking and information technology that will link existing and prototype technologies together.
The Army wants a small business to supply tech that can support and integrate everything from sensors to 5G and augmented reality headsets, in an effort to “optimize the ground soldier’s ability to shoot, move, and communicate.”
The Ground Soldier Technology Workflow, Integration, and eXperience—or GS-TWIX—is an effort to link several technologies through both hardware and software, according to a solicitation notice.
The Army first revealed its intentions earlier this year with a request for information that highlighted six elements, including tech that can optimize sensor data; communications, like with the Nett Warrior program; and other ground-based systems needed for displaying information collected by sensors or other means. Other task elements focus on improving the survivability of these systems if exposed to chemical, biological or nuclear attacks, and the tactical implications of using 5G.
GS-TWIX seems to represent a piece of the Army’s ambition to more intricately connect data to troops and decision makers through improved sensors and networking capabilities. It also specifically calls for integration with the Army’s augmented reality headset, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, which could indicate longer-term plans as the Army works out the system’s future.
