Page 12 - Coespu 2018-3

Several Principles in choosing, deploying
and using modern technologies for
Peacekeeping purposes are clearly
established in the Report, such as: use of
wide-available solutions (no reliance on
market niches); use of high-mobile and
robust items, easy to maintain in the
field; push technology as far forward as
possible in the operational chain; local -
regional supply channels (when possible). Member States can be part of the strategy by making
available technology, expertise, or training for those units that deploy it. “Technology Contributing
Countries” or “TechCCs”, should be identified and engaged in much the same way that troop and
police contributing countries (TCCs and PCCs) are today.
Moreover, the Report undertakes a remarkably new method of focusing on actual issues regarding
the subject: it displaces a chart to dispel some of the more relevant myths regarding technology.
Two columns, on the left “Myths”, on the right “Reality”. The purpose of that graphical setting is to
visually inform readers to foster dialog at a tactical, operational, political and strategic level. For
example, reading the chart, it is simple to realize that, in the framework of UN strategy, Technology
will never substitute human resources on the ground but, as a matter of fact, it simply aims to
enhance peacekeepers ability. Technology, on the other hand, must not be considered out of reach,
too expensive, because most of the hi-tech systems provided to peace operators are all in wide
spread everyday use. Chasing Technology’s leading edge is nothing but a global tendency. Further
on, Technology is not a euphemism used to
introduce “Drones” in mission areas for
political purposes, as long as that kind of items
are becoming common in the mainstream
society and, quite the opposite, UN Rules of
Engagements foresee a transparent use of each
Unmanned aerial System (UAS).
Given all the above generic forewords,
assumptions and principles, the Report plunges
into details spread into 8 chapters, named:
“Getting the Basics Right, Operational
Imperatives, Mission Support, the Longer
View, Challenges, Additional
Considerations, Final Thoughts and Summary of Recommendations”.
Going through the components of all the Chapters, the principles stressed in the introduction come
increasingly to light: “modern peacekeeping Missions must deploy with at least the same
technological advantages that most governments and enterprises around the globe now find
operationally indispensable in today’s word”.
On the other hand, the Report shows how technology used by peacekeepers might turn useful for
local population too. One example above all: in chronic water shortage areas, ground penetrating
radars and advanced geospatial imaging can help to obtain successful drilling, convenient both for

10