Danger Zone One

The following is an article excerpt from ARMED, a bi-monthly magazine catering to military enthusiasts with a focus on reliable and insightful analysis, in-depth articles, and international military-related affairs across the world. [Article originally published three years ago.]

GENE WARFARE:
BUILDING BETTER SOLDIERS?
By Colin Wertham

Imagine a squad of elite soldiers, bodies and minds perfectly honed and designed for combat. These soldiers are faster, stronger, not easily susceptible to fatigue or bothered by extreme environmental conditions. They have increased pain tolerance and near-superhuman physical endurance. They can efficiently operate for extended periods with little sleep and are immune to both stress and anxiety. These are not androids, or soldiers who have undergone cybernetic enhancements—yet their bodies are capable of feats far beyond what even a peak athlete could accomplish.

Sounds like science fiction? Far from it. Welcome to the world of genetic modification.

Over the last few years, human gene modification has been mired in legal challenges, ethical quandaries, and public misconception. Though Class 1 and Class 2 gene therapies are widely accepted as a form of medical treatment—covering everything from disease prevention, rehabilitation, correcting birth defects, and so on—Class 3 modifications are regarded as a scientific “gray area” and outright banned in many countries.

Those aforementioned “perfect” soldiers? Class 3 enhancements are what could bestow a normal individual with such enhanced abilities, simply by rewiring the genetic code. And while much political hand-wringing has been made about the subject, including proposals to prohibit Class 3 gene modification in war, several rogue nations are open to the prospect of a superior military force and have already moved forward on human-based genetic augmentation.

Some private military contractors, able to operate outside of the typical legal parameters, are allegedly now experimenting with Class 3 gene enhancements—though to what extent is not publicly known. And, of course, black markets around the globe have jumped into “back alley” gene modification.

Gene editing in soldiers has far-reaching implications within the context of human rights, warfare, and global governance, but it may also be the next burgeoning frontier in the endless pursuit of military advantage.

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.