Weather warfare examples Naval Research Facility told a panel of meteorologists studying tropical weather dynamics in 1967: You will appreciate more than I the scientific necessity for early and intensive attention to tropical dynamics. Mar 1, 1975 · "Harnessing weather as a means of warfare would at one time have seemed unthinkable, a grotesque variation on chemical and biological warfare. this site is awesome with maps and educational resources, founder and researcher jim lee is the man to interview for your broadcast related to weather modification which began as far back as late 1800’s, no joke! Weather warfare is the use of weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding for military purposes. The entire process began with an extensive environmental scan. The goal was simple: to flood the Ho Chi Minh Trail, cutting off supplies to enemy forces. Terry Lloyd Terry Lloyd has been a freelance journalist and writer since 2019 after a 40-year aviation career. " Mar 21, 2018 · Operation Popeye was a secret Vietnam War-era effort to conduct covert cloud seeding over Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, extend the monsoon season, and give the United States an advantage in the war. Nov 13, 2024 · It should be emphasized that while the US military confirms that weather warfare is fully operational, there is no documented evidence of its military use against enemies of the US. Dec 25, 2023 · Even though interlinked with winter warfare, Arctic warfare stands out as operations conducted in an explicit environment of extreme temperatures. For example, there is only vague dis-cussion of whether agencies other than DOD have engaged or are engaging in weather warfare-yet the Central Intel- Weather modification can also have the goal of preventing damaging weather, such as hail or hurricanes, from occurring; or of provoking damaging weather against an enemy, as a tactic of military or economic warfare like Operation Popeye, where clouds were seeded to prolong the monsoon in Vietnam. This step also involved finding key experts in the fields related to weather control. Operation Popeye saw the use of cloud seeding over the Ho Chi Minh trail. Cold-weather warfare, also known as cold-region warfare, The Battle of Chosin Reservoir was a stark example of cold affecting military operations in the Korean War. S. 2 BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF WEATHER MODIFICATION . established the President's Advisory Committee on Weather Control to evaluate weather control methods, perform military experiments, and decide how much the government Oct 11, 2024 · The most explicit example of weather warfare came during the Vietnam War with Operation Popeye. History demonstrates harsh weather conditions introduce uncertainty and risk into warfare. Weather warfare is the use of weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding for military purposes. Weather warfare is the use of weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding for military purposes. had been secretly engaging in hostile weather manipulation in Vietnam, it was dubbed “the Watergate of weather warfare. Current methods of weather modification were studied to determine limitations in weather control. Historically, the weather has had a surprising influence on the actions of armies, and the victor of battles. WORLD WAR II "Climate and Warfare. Occasionally the two forces interact, leading to unexpected and seemingly miraculous events. Mar 11, 2019 · An ice-locked river grants troops a shortcut to victory; a mantle of fog foils an aggressor's advance; an undetected dust storm pummels a covert helicopter raid, leading to a fiery, tragic end deep Mar 5, 2015 · From March 1967 until July 1972 the U. Dec 28, 2017 · There are numerous examples of situations where weather played the critical role in the outcome of war. , a memorandum from Deputy Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Foy David Kohler to Secretary of State Dean Rusk in January of 1967 stated that the test phase of what was then called Project Jan 2, 2025 · He describes weather warfare as a possible weapon of mass destruction. The Army Mountain Warfare Mar 25, 2014 · James Pollard Espy (or "The Storm King") (May 9 1785 – January 24 1860) was a U. Witness the strategic power of weather manipulation on modern war tactics. Military strategy, leadership, and luck have all influenced the outcome of war. Decker, Fred, et al. Army general Dwight D. scientists warned that, without immediate action, the Sov [] NEWS POST Read More The Climate Changers and Water Wars: Technocracy, Geoengineering, and Replacing the Water Cycle TIL Operation Popeye was the first example of weather warfare. All copyrighted materials belong to their respective owners. Prior to the Environmental Modification Convention signed in Geneva in 1977, the United States used weather warfare in the Vietnam War. state. Most air forces hangar their aircraft in the face of dangerous storms to protect them from hail, lightning, and wind-tossed debris. U. military conducted cloud seeding over However, the treaty does not directly condemn military use of weather modification when it does not directly cause harm, [3] such as the United States' use of weather modification in the Battle of Khe Sanh in the Vietnam War. According to the Office of the Historian on the State Department website, History. At the time, if someone said that climate change posed a threat to the world order, you would assume they were weather, training must include knowing how to use that equipment and how to adapt operations. Espy developed a convection theory of storms, explaining it in 1836 before the American Philosophical Society and in 1840 before the French Académie des Sciences and the British Royal Society. ” Research money for weather control rapidly disappeared, and in 1977 the U. Dec 22, 2024 · Weather modification, the deliberate or the inadvertent alternation of atmospheric conditions by human activity, sufficient to modify the weather on local or regional scales. " Army Quarterly (Apr 1941): pp. 60 Means of Predicting Consequences of Weather Modifi-cation . For example, Representative Marjorie Talyor Greene posted on X that “Yes they can control the weather…It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done. Weather Effect on Army Operations: Weather in World War II. What if military forces could shape Dec 5, 2011 · “Rainmaking” or weather control can be as powerful a war weapon as the atom bomb, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist said today. military used cloud seeding to extend the monsoon season over North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. During the Vietnam War, the U. meteorologist who proposed burning forests to increase rainfall. Hostile uses are prohibited, but cannot be ruled out—for example, weather manipulation tools could be used to disrupt a neighbour’s agriculture or military planning. Weather’s impact on combat strategies, especially during the Battle of the Bulge, reveals how environmental conditions can dictate outcomes and test military preparedness. 133-35. The goal was to extend the monsoon season and flood the Ho Mar 23, 2021 · A prime example is the Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather System, which uses a cutting-edge design of low-Earth orbiting sensors. 60 Predicted Biological Responses of Weather Modifica-tion. In contrast, winter warfare includes different operational environments depending on temperatures and geographic location, i. And if states decided unilaterally to use more radical geo-engineering technologies it could trigger dramatic climatic disruptions. While the Navy and Air Force have a growing need for accurate Jan 23, 2023 · The term climate refers to average weather patterns and trends spread over a period of 30 years. gov. We have numerous examples in military history when the extreme environment and the hostile weather rendered the implementation of the military leader’s plans difficult or even prevented them. Oct 4, 2023 · The program went through several names in its history before the term “Operation Popeye” stuck. From 1967 to 1972, the U. During the Vietnam War, aircraft would "seed" clouds, causing them to precipitate with an 82% success rate. Reports h Sep 21, 2017 · Weather affects all types of military operations, but the specific needs of the U. natural weather patterns to complete dominance of global communications and counterspace control, weather-modification offers the war fighter a wide-range of possible options to defeat or coerce an adversary. The Convention on Biological Diversity of 2010 would also ban some forms of weather modification or geoengineering . Aug 8, 2018 · Weather Control as a Cold War Weapon, December 5, 2011 by Matt Novak In the 1950s, some U. Jul 23, 2021 · Weather Modification Technology that could be used in Weather Warfare. The operation's goal was to extend the monsoon season over enemy-controlled territories in Southeast Asia, specifically over North Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Cambodia, in an… Mar 26, 2024 · Abstract. Iran has already accused Israel of stealing its water by using cloud-seeding that reduces rainfall over its territory. Aug 26, 2014 · This documentary is for educational purposes only. military program carried out during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1972, which aimed to use weather modification as a tool of warfare. military spent over $3 million per year conducting a top secret operation in Southeast Asia. The environment ― primarily the weather and the terrain ― always has consid- erable impact on the success of military operations. The US Navy’s 1994 Nonlethal Warfare Proposal, acknowledged the successful use of weather modification as an instrument of warfare in Vietnam and described how the creation of floods, blizzards, and droughts could be used to destroy a nation’s economy. The information contained in this handbook is a result of observations made by AWG unit members conducting operations in mountainous terrain worldwide, and a review of Army doctrine. Between 1967 and 1972, the U. The operational slogan was, "Make mud, not war. . Operation Popeye (Project Controlled Weather Popeye / Motorpool / Intermediary-Compatriot) was a military cloud-seeding project carried out by the U. James L Regens examines the implications of extreme weather risk in a changing climate for military operations within and across the six domains of warfare and, therefore, for strategy. Army, Navy, and Air Force differ substantially. While it furnishes many new details, some other information is still missing. Jul 29, 2024 · Understanding the intricate relationship between weather and warfare is essential in comprehending historical battles. Apr 5, 2024 · As Cold War tensions heightened, weather control was seen by the United States as a potential war weapon that could be more devastating than nuclear warfare. 65 Conclusions and Recommendations of The Ecological of its role in weather warfare. Historically the military adapts to the weather. e. Eisenhower described weather as the worst enemy of the Allied air forces. The US President’s Advisory Committee on Weather Control was founded in August 1953. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, this paper will use the terms “mountain/cold weather” (MCW) and “mountain/cold weather warfare” (MCWW). 1917, during World War I, Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria described rain as the most effective ally in his country’s fight against the Allied powers. China has also been using cloud seeding to bring rain. I make no claim to any material used within the video. copyright law because it is (1) non-commercial, (2) trans-formative in nature, (3) uses no more of Apr 12, 2023 · History is replete with examples of the impact of weather on war and how it causes headaches for operations planners. Through interviews with experts such as physicists and meteorologists, the episode explores the history of weather manipulation and its potential use as a tool of Jan 31, 2023 · Many charts, references, and examples from other Army publications are incorporated into this handbook where appropriate. The Vietnam War serves as a modern example, with the widespread use of defoliants like Agent Orange and cloud seeding under Operation Popeye to manipulate weather patterns. Jul 26, 2024 · Consider stormfronts, for example. Jul 21, 2009 · Thats Impossible season 1 episode 3, titled "Weather Warfare," tackles the controversial topic of whether or not humans have the ability to control the weather for military purposes. “A neat way to look at this is we truly believe that weather drives behavior,” he said. Humans have long sought to purposefully alter such atmospheric phenomena as clouds, rain, snow, hail, lightning, The Convention bans weather warfare, which is the use of weather modification techniques for the purposes of inducing damage or destruction. ” Apr 16, 2020 · October 2, 2020 Army to discontinue Asymmetric Warfare Group and Rapid Equipping Force September 24, 2020 Army announces upcoming 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division, unit rotation Feb 27, 2021 · greg, for all your viewers as well as yourself, go to weathermodificationhistory. Its stated objective was to evaluate the level of government involvement and the effectiveness of weather-manipulation strategies. Per. Air Force during the Vietnam War in 1967–1972. 1 Since the end of World War II, no other military in the world has been as affected by weather as the U. Jul 19, 2024 · Explore the historical impact, ethical considerations, and future implications of Weather Modification in Warfare. Scheduled to be deployed in 2025, EWS will bring 21st century weather capability to modern war fighters. 8 During World War II, U. military, which operates under various global commands in many different regions of the world, is greatly affected by regional weather. As the head of the U. military used Operation Popeye (1967-1972) to extend monsoon seasons by cloud seeding, a tactic aimed at disrupting enemy The military clearly intends its weather warfare strategy to apply to other areas of the world besides Viet Nam. Mountains and cold weather present unique challenges for the sustainment forces. " Jan 12, 2021 · Weather Modification according to US air force document AF 2025 final report, “offers the war fighter a wide range of options to defeat or coerce an adversary’, capabilities, it says, extend to the triggering of floods, hurricanes, droughts and earthquakes;’ Weather modification will become a part of domestic and international security It is the understanding of the Committee that the following examples are illustrative of phenomena that could be caused by the use of environmental modification techniques as defined in Article II of the Convention: earthquakes, tsunamis; an upset in the ecological balance of a region; changes in weather patterns (clouds, precipitation Sep 16, 2022 · Weather Warfare in Historical Context. The subject matter is a taboo among environmental analysts. Apr 3, 2018 · When it came out that the U. Oct 15, 2024 · Another reality is that the KM is about to lose its ability to control us through weather warfare. In 1953, the U. For example, a combatant or air component commander might approach the wing with a problem set, which is solved using weather or meteorological principles. signed an international agreement called the Environmental Modification Convention Treaty , or ENMOD for short Feb 15, 2022 · This is not a hypothetical problem. DISCLAIMER: This video contains copyrighted material and is used for educational purposes only. bombers could chase that storm through enemy territory and attack enemy airfields while the planes are grounded. The limitations of the treaty, and its application only to signatory states, allow weather warfare to continue to play a Although the term “mountain warfare” is in common use, neither “mountain warfare” nor any similar term is defined in doctrine. China, which already artificially alters its weather over major cities, plans to be able to modify weather over half its territory by 2025, to the alarm of neighbours including India. Harsh winters can decimate unprepared armies, and storms can start (or… The question of “What is required to control the weather and how do we do it?” needed an answer. Dec 21, 2021 · For the 557th Weather Wing, Williams said its members solve problems for customers. , any fairly snow-rich country during winter. com. But 'weather war' has already been fought, and if current diplomatic and congressional efforts fail, weather may become a sophisticated weapon in future arsenals. Nov 23, 2022 · Back in 2015, when I started covering climate change, climate war meant one thing. Oct 9, 2024 · And there has been an eerie resemblance in different weather disasters of the government thwarting efforts of escape or real help. Weather & War p. Throughout history, humans have been plagued by war and inclement weather. 3. 60 Introduction . The environmental consequences of these practices led to the creation of the EnMod Convention in an attempt to prohibit the use of the environment as a weapon. Oct 11, 2024 · Operation Popeye was a covert U. Some of the potential capabilities a weather-modification system could provide to a war-fighting Oct 3, 2024 · This early example demonstrated both the potential and dangers of manipulating the weather. Realistic and challenging training can prepare Soldiers for the rigors of mountain and cold weather warfare, allowing them the opportunity to In a veiled reference to China, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently implied that the country might weaponise weather for strategic gains. Many countries worldwide still have many drills and experiments to know how to manipulate the weather and use it in Warfare; for example, the Russians have long been involved in weather modification to control hail. Feb 24, 2022 · When weather and war interact, it can lead to unexpected and seemingly miraculous events. I am thinking of the Lahaina fires and also Hurricane Helene, but there are other examples recently (hurricanes in Acapulco). Sometimes Mother Nature has played her hand as well. No in-depth investigation has been undertaken to reveal the operational dimensions of weather warfare. [Even former DOD Secretary Melvin Laird hedged on the issue (Science, 5 April)]. "This video is fair use under U. 9 Also during World War Aug 24, 2023 · Perhaps the most notorious example of weather manipulation was Operation Popeye, a top-secret mission during the Vietnam War. nrqmemnyujqqetfqxxttheucduiyehhhocyjgliillsj