Realizing Apes in Armor: A Thought Experiment in Reality

The concept of apes rising to challenge our dominance is a fascination that has captured the public imagination. From the original Planet of the Apes to its reboot series, the idea of apes wielding weapons and potentially launching an attack on human civilization has sparked numerous discussions and debates. However, if we were to consider this scenario from a realistic perspective, what would truly determine the outcome of such a conflict?

Theoretical Scenario: Apes vs. Modern Human Forces

Suppose the events of these films were to become real. Could apes, with their extraordinary intellect and ingenuity, truly pose a viable threat to humanity? While the films treat the apes as an “equalizing factor” by showing them using guns, the reality might be quite different. Guns are relatively simple to learn and operate, and with enough training and experience, simian entities could indeed wield them with competency. However, modern military hardware such as nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and fighter jets represent a level of technological complexity that even highly trained humans struggle to manage perfectly.

The Gaps in Ape Warfare

A key challenge for any non-human force attempting to take on modern military power would be the sheer complexity and sophistication of advanced weaponry. Let's consider the logistics of using nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers. These are not just weapons; they are marvels of engineering and technology, requiring highly specialized knowledge and training to operate effectively. Even with a fully staffed crew of trained experts, these systems have a margin of risk for catastrophic failures. Ape populations would not have the same access to specialized training, nor the resources to maintain such advanced machines.

Strategic Disadvantage: Naval and Aerial Dominance

Modern navies and air forces possess the capability to swiftly and effectively neutralize any advance by any potential enemy, including apes. The threat of nuclear-powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and fighter jets would be enough to dissuade any ape-like civilizations from engaging in direct confrontation. Ape populations would learn where it is safest to avoid the reach of these formidable forces, effectively leaving most of human civilization relatively untouched.

This scenario is reminiscent of the portrayal in Western films where indigenous tribes are depicted as formidable but ultimately disadvantaged under modern warfare. Just as American Indians faced the might of the U.S. military, apes would find themselves outmatched in a clash with human forces. They might face risks on the periphery, but once within the reach of naval and air bases, the threat would diminish significantly. The mere presence of such military installations often acts as a deterrent to any lesser-equipped adversary.

Ultimate Defense Mechanism: Total Destruction

In a real conflict, humans possess the ultimate defense mechanism – the will to destroy the enemy utterly. Throughout history, humanity has not hesitated to employ extreme measures to protect itself, as evidenced by the numerous species that have been driven to extinction. Even in Planet of the Apes, the apes faced an existential threat, leading to their own demise. Without the benefit of such advanced weaponry, apes would struggle to survive a full-scale military engagement.

The balance of power would not tilt in the apes' favor. The apes would need to maintain a strategic distance from human military installations and capital assets. As soon as humans realize that total annihilation of the enemy is the only means to secure their survival, that will happen. In any conflict, the will to survive trumps all other considerations, as exemplified by the resilience of the human species in the face of numerous global and historical challenges.

Conclusion: Gorilla Warfare

Through a realistic lens, the conflict between apes and humans would be far from a fair fight. The apes could learn to use guns and other weapons, but the sheer complexity and risk of modern military hardware would make their efforts futile. The apes would face significant disadvantages in a military confrontation, particularly when it comes to the operational and maintenance requirements of advanced weaponry. The concept of guerilla warfare as depicted in Gorillas in the Mist would be a misnomer in this context.

In any conflict of this nature, the fragility of balance would quickly tip in favor of human superiority due to the overwhelming technological and organizational advantages. The apes would find themselves in a markedly disadvantaged position, unable to mount a sustained and effective challenge against human military powers.

Thus, the reality of a scenario where apes rise to challenge humans would inevitably result in a situation where the apes are outmatched and ultimately rendered incapable of posing a significant threat.