Thread by @JJSabatini

(1/25) Having received some DMs on the subject, I would like to tell you all about military technologies, and how they impact our daily lives. This will be a long thread that I hope you’ll read and think about.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(2/25) The internet (which originated from the ARPANET), computers, GPS technologies, duct tape, drones, weather radar, microwave ovens,  digital cameras, jet engines, synthetic rubber, superglue, canned food, jeep vehicles,

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(3/25) The mass production of penicillin, wristwatches, walkie-talkies, night vision, sanitary napkins, freeze drying, the EpiPen, Jerrycans, blood banks and blood transfusions, ambulances, aviator sunglasses, and the entire Space Program

#chemtwitter #reatimechem @RealTimeChem

(4/25) Imagine life without these technologies. How difficult and inconvenient life would be? These are a few of the many technologies first developed as a result of the military, which have since become part of everyday civilian life.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(5/25) How do explosive materials affect everyday civilian life? Without explosives, there is no mining, drilling, cladding, quarrying, or civil engineering projects. There are no building of dams, tunnels and roads.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(6/25) There is no gravel, slate, construction aggregate, masonry materials, riprap to protect stream beds and coastlines, crushed stone, tile, and granite.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(7/25) For those that like metals, metal catalysts, including precious and rare-earth metals, these don’t exist without the ability to mine. Much of the chemistry of nitro groups and fluorine originated in many labs that did energetics.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(8/25) How do propellant materials affect everyday civilian life? Without propellant materials, there are no aerosol sprays, no airbags, no flying planes, no SpaceX program, and no space program period.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(9/25) Let me remind you that folks often point to space activities, which were born out of the chemical and engineering aspects of energetic materials research, as a way to motivate young girls and boys to enter STEM fields.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(10/25) How do pyrotechnics affect everyday civilian life? Without them, there are no fireworks displays, no road flares or signals to warn of accidents, no bullets for firearms, no nail guns, no modern fireplaces, and no fog machines.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(11/25) Without programs of military importance, there is no NDSEG Fellowship program, and that means, no NDSEG fellows.

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(12/25) ONR, ARO and/or AFOSR funds many academic labs each year. Without such funds, it means fewer graduate students, fewer postdocs, fewer dollars for a given lab, and fewer job opportunities for those pursuing STEM careers.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(13/25) Many are unaware, but the military, funded by the SERDP/ESTCP program, has done significant work in the area of environmental remediation to improve groundwater supplies, soil, and the air that we breathe. Some examples are:

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(14/25) 1) The development of environmentally friendly fireworks that are free of heavy metals, perchlorates, and which are of low smoke; 2) Development of new pyrotechnic delay fuses that are free of hexavalent chromium and lead;

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(15/25) 3) Removal of sulfur sublimation, toxic colored smoke dyes and hexachloroethane from smoke obscurants; 4) Development of lead-free bullets and bullet primary explosive mixtures; 5) Development of lead-free propellants;

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(16/25) 6) Development of “green” replacements for hydrazine; 7) Development of new synthesis processes to minimize waste water generation, spent acids, and to eliminate the use of expensive metals in catalysis;

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(17/25) 8) Development of “greener” explosives that improve the environmental footprint. Feel free to research some of these aforementioned environmental initiatives. The military has quite a “green thumb” these days.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(18/25) My goals in doing military research are: 1) To provide our military servicemen and servicewomen with the best capabilities and strengths so that when deployed, they can return home safely and in one piece to their families;

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(19/25) 2) To help protect and defend the nation from those that wish to do us harm. That means protecting folks of all political affiliations, and yes, that includes those whose views that differ from my own;

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(20/25) 3) To do good, quality science that people inside and outside the defense sector can use. I love publishing, presenting, and patenting our research efforts. But I have got to be honest...that’s the least important part of the job.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(21/25) If I never publish another paper, but freedom is protected and our military makes it home safely to their families as a result of the research that I have done, then I have succeeded in this job.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(22/25) I know there are folks that view my job as being unethical, and that some that also view the military with derision. Despite the information above, it is unlikely to change the minds of some.  You are welcome to have that view.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(23/25) But I encourage folks to adequately research the issue of energetics, their uses, defense-related initiatives, and to read about the above issues before shaping a final opinion. In my view, military research is not immoral.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem

(24/25) Again, I will not apologize for making energetic materials, which can be used for both military and civilian applications. I remain proud of my team, proud of our accomplishments and very proud of our military.

#chemtwitter #RealTimeChem @RealTimeChem

(25/25) This latter group of selfless individuals have my unwavering support. It’s because of them that my family is able to sleep in their beds at night in a free society. I will do what I can to ensure their continued safety.

#chemtwitter #realtimechem @RealTimeChem