Proposal: Tactical Primates
Qualifying category: (4) Urban Warfare and Low Intensity Operations Qualifying sub-section: (B) Rapid neutralization of combatants with minimal effect on non-combatants.
Current Problems
A.Though the robotics field is making tremendous progress, there are some difficulties with robots navigating stairs, opening doors, maneuvering in tight areas and power supply failures.
B.In specific tactical situations, entry through a window is necessary, which proves impractical for robots.
C.Visual range is limited by the camera lens and the speed of scanning a room is impaired due to mechanical limitations andthe clarity of the picture.
D. Robotic repairs, upkeep, and technical upgrades can be cost prohibitive for many departments even if the initial purchase is within budget confines.
Solutions Using Tactical Primates
A. Using a tactically trained primate (Monkey) you have the ability to bound up stairs, open closed doors, quickly respond to noises in the room, maneuver in very tight areas, and since they are a biological entity, there is no need for an auxiliary power supply.
B. Tactical Primates would be able to enter quickly and quietly through windows of varying sizes, ventilation ducts or even doggie doors. Not only are they quick but quiet and provide a non-threatening silhouette. (An armed officer is immediately processed as a threat, while a monkey would more likely be quickly interpreted as a small animal such as a cat, and dismissed) C. Since monkeys can be trained initially as helper monkeys to handicapped individuals, they can also be trained for simple evaluations, retrievals, and are able to respond to commands given via a simple earpiece such as, ìOpen doorî or ìGo upstairsî.
D. The initial investment in a Tactical Primate is substantially less than that of a tactical robot. Upkeep is similar to that of a Police dog (food and vet bills) the animal will actually reside with a tactical team member. Tactical upgrades are simply a matter of training thus a trained animal would not become obsolete like many robots do.
Training and Testing Period
The training period for basic commands of a helper monkey is approximately 1 year. To turn a helper monkey into a Tactical Primate would take roughly another 4-6 months since the monkey is already accustomed to a training regimen.
Once the Primate is trained and the personnel instructed on the care and ongoing training of the animal, it will be tested continually to keep elements of training sharp. The Primate will be sent on tactical callouts in situations that require internal monitoring elements.
Documented evaluations and progress reports will be generated on a quarterly basis with a cumulative report done yearly and at the end of the 4 year test. There will also be a performance evaluation done for every callout that utilizes a Tactical Primate.
Other Applications
A. An arena where Tactical Primates would be of great use would be in military applications. A Tactical Primate would excel as a scout, wearing a small camera and GPS combination, a monkey would be able to gather information without raising suspicion. Maps could be marked with up to the minute details of occupied areas, types of weaponry to expect, or even an area with great cover or accessibility. No longer would a unit be unaware of precisely what lay ahead.
B. Another area where trained primates could be utilized is in situations dealing with traumatized children. Animals have an innate ability to relate to children. The simple concept of unconditional acceptance could greatly assist authorities when questioning child victims regarding criminal activities.
On the following page is a basic budget outline for this groundbreaking program.
Tactical Primate Proposal Budget
Initial Purchase of trained Helper Monkey $25,000
Additional tactical training $10,000-$15,000
Animal Maintenance
Vet bills
Immunizations
Food
Housing Adaptations $15,000
Police Personnel Training $5,000
Tactical Equipment
Custom molded earpiece
Custom fitted body armor
Tactical uniform
Camera systems
Radio systems
Custom foot protection and gloves $15,000
Unit monitoring equipment
Tactical scenarios
Recording equipment
Monthly recurrent training with SWAT team $5,000
Incidental Funding
Insurance
Damaged equipment repair
Transport adaptations
Unforseen expenses $10,000
Data Collection, Evaluation, and Interpretation $10,000
Total Funding for Entire (4-Year) Program $100,000
Proposal: Tactical Primates
BAA 04-04
Sponsoring Agency: Mesa Police Department: SWAT Unit
*Duplicate copy sent through U.S. Mail
**Point of contact: Detective Sean Truelove
c/o SWAT (address and phone number withheld by the Tribune)
