Q&A · 2:10:24-2:11:56

Military innovations that moved into civilian life

The panel considers military connections to civilian communications, medicine, vehicle fuel tanks, and food.

Question

What military innovations besides GPS and mobile ambulances later became useful in civilian life?

Short answer

Examples offered include the internet, mass-produced penicillin, trauma surgery, communications protocols, vehicle fuel tanks, and military food products.

Notes

The internet is the first example offered, followed by mass production of penicillin and improvements in trauma surgery. Communications protocols and modern vehicle fuel-tank designs are also linked to military research. M&M's are cited as sweets intended to resist melting for American forces in the Pacific. The discussion attributes Bournville chocolate to wartime concern about iron deficiency, but explicitly stops short of seeking Dr. Dan's medical endorsement.