Is it possible to clone a fully trained soldier?

Answer 1

There are many assumptions in this question. The cloning of human beings is considered taboo, even though it has, in fact, been done. Of these clones, few have gone beyond the first stages of embryonic development before failing or being terminated. No one has come forward with a person brought to maturity whose inception is from a cloning process. So far, whether a human can be cloned and brought to maturity successfully has not yet been established. It is theoretically possible.

The question not only assumes that cloning is perfected but that psychological information can be transferred from the original to the copy, unless it is being assumed that soldiers can be so well trained that the training becomes physically imprinted as instinct and so is passed on in the genetic code. This is not possible, at least not in one generation and even that which can become instinct over generations would be more predispositions, reflexes and physical prowess than anything specific. The transmission of intimate personal experience, in this case military training, would seem highly unlikely. This is highly improbable from a scientific standpoint. From a philosophical standpoint, it is impossible.

As of this moment, it is not possible to clone a fully trained soldier. Cloning processes can only begin at cellular levels, meaning that any clone developed would have to start life as an embryo and naturally age and grow as any other human. Many science-fiction movies and books that have cloning introduce the idea of not only cloning a person, but making a clone that is at the same age, physical development and level of emotional stability as the original. Such things may be possible, but not likely in the lifetime of this generation or the one after it. Further, even if bodies could be cloned and engineered to the same stage of physical maturity, the psychological maturity built up by years of emotion and experience is impossible to duplicate or simulate. Even if a method could be found of downloading military training directly into the clone's mind and simulations could be made of movement, the clone would only have theory and not the months or years of experience that hones such skills and makes them useful.

Answer 2

As of now, it is not possible to clone a fully trained soldier. Cloning technology has not advanced to the point where specific training and experiences can be replicated in a cloned individual. Additionally, ethical and legal concerns would likely prevent such cloning experiments from being conducted.