Biometrics Technology Boosts Military Capabilities

Iris recognition and palm print identification may seem like a preserve of sci-fi movies, but such technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in military intelligence and homeland security. These hi-tech tools fall under the wider process of biometrics, which uses automated methods to recognize an individual based on measurable biological and behavioral characteristics. According to the United States government, these systems have been researched and tested for use in the likes of military intelligence over the past few decades, but they have only recently entered the public consciousness, partly because of entertainment media. Commonly-used Technology The government highlights that the way such technology is used for civilian and military intelligence in TV shows and films is often not realistic, but its application in day-to-day activities is also helping to raise the profile of the technology. For example, the FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System is one of the better-known instances, while companies are also starting to implement biometrics to secure areas. Iris recognition involves taking an illuminated picture of the colored portion of an individual's eye, with no discomfort to them, while palm print identification entails collecting aggregate information presented in a friction ridge impression. Friction ridges do not necessarily flow continuously throughout a pattern, and palm recognition technology is designed to interpret the course of the overall ridges. Other common biometrics commonly implemented are face, voice, signature and hand geometry, with combinations of these often used as part of military intelligence and homeland security. Biometrics Investment Both the United States and the UK are investing money in biometrics, both for military intelligence and security purposes. For example, more than $50 million (£32 million) of the United States' 2010 federal budget recently announced by President Barack Obama is going towards security related to visas, including biometric technology and enhanced information sharing between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and airlines. Over in the UK, state-of-the-art facial recognition technology is being used at Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Stansted, Cardiff and Bristol airports, scanning biometric details which are checked against a range of watch lists before passengers are allowed to enter the country. In addition, the government is rolling out a visa scheme whereby foreign nationals are used with identity cards containing biometric data. Most recently, the Home Office extended the program to include skilled migrants seeking to renew their visa, along with students and foreign nationals married to British people. "Identity cards are a secure and simple way for foreign nationals to prove they are entitled to live, work or study in the UK," said border and immigration minister Phil Woolas. "The biometric data contained on the card ties migrants to one identity and prevents those here illegally from benefiting from the privileges of life in Britain," he added. Military Intelligence Contribution Among the companies, what is contributing significantly to biometric technology used for military intelligence is American Reliance, or Amrel. In May last year, the company unveiled its revolutionary new handheld device, developed with military intelligence in mind. The Handheld Biometric System 2 (HSB-2) has been developed using feedback from warfighters and has been tested by the United States Department of Defense Fusion Center. It weighs just two pounds, can capture face, finger and iris data, and allows soldiers to check the identities of a group of villagers in Afghanistan, for example, within minutes. "With other systems the same task could take hours which would expose the soldiers to unnecessary risk," said Richard Lane, vice-president of Amrel. The HSB-2 also allows users to connect to distant databases through easy integration with standard tactical radios, facilitating military intelligence operations.

Biometrics Technology Boosts Military Capabilities

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