Memory Modulation for Warfighters.

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of memory modulation techniques (MMTs) to alleviate psychological distress among veterans and active-duty soldiers, particularly in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury. While conventional treatments have shown limited success, emerging pharmacological and neurotechnological interventions-such as propranolol, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and optogenetics-offer new possibilities for mitigating the emotional burden of traumatic memories. For this reason, there appears to be an obligation to invest in the research of such techniques to ensure relief for veterans, toward whom society seems to bear a responsibility. However, these techniques raise important ethical concerns related to personal identity, moral responsibility, and the preservation of war memories. The paper examines the implications of memory modulation in military contexts, not only as a therapeutic tool but also in relation to potential risks, including its misuse for desensitizing soldiers or erasing accountability. A distinction is drawn between PTSD and moral injury, emphasizing that the latter, rooted in guilt and self-recrimination, presents specific ethical challenges. To ensure responsible implementation, the study suggests the necessity of independent ethical oversight, including specialized professionals (gatekeepers) tasked with guiding decision-making. By addressing both individual well-being and broader societal concerns, particularly regarding the role of memory in the context of war, this paper aims at contributing to the ongoing ethical debate on the future of memory modulation in military and clinical settings.