Dangers in technology.

• Author: Murtha, Paul E.
• Position: LETTERS - Letter to the Editor

In reference to your January 2005 story, "Stryker Units get Instant Feedback from Troops at War," I need to comment about the statement that "Most importantly, the Stryker's high tech communications systems allow units on the front lines to stay in touch with command centers around the United States."

One of the biggest problems that we in the ground military have had since the arrival of electronic connectivity between platforms and communications systems is information overload. True, we are far from the old steamer trunk-size box bumping around in an M577, but the myriad of unique systems that are out there and forced on units these days often makes doing primary things, like staying alive and sending the enemy to his reward, much harder to do.

The fact is, senior leaders in the United States shouldn't be in direct contact with the tank commander who is trying...