The House Armed Services Committee recently held a hearing on the Department of Defense’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, believes that AI will play a critical role in maintaining the United States’ military superiority. In an interview with “60 Minutes,” Milley emphasized the need for the military to adapt to the rapid development of AI technology in order to win future wars.
According to Milley, the future of warfare will look significantly different due to the advancement of AI technology. He stated that AI is an extremely powerful tool that will likely be optimized for command and control of military operations within the next 10 to 15 years. Christopher Alexander, a former Army information warfare operations operator and current chief analytics officer of Pioneer Development Group, also recognizes the importance of AI in military planning. He believes that AI will enhance various functions in the military, such as autonomous vehicles and intelligence analysis, ultimately allowing planners and analysts to focus on higher-order thinking.
The core capability of AI lies in its ability to expedite the understanding of complex situations and respond with precision strike capabilities. Milley highlighted the use of AI in the “OODA loop” (observe, orient, decide, act), where AI can analyze large amounts of information and provide suggestions on strategic movements for U.S. forces. Phil Siegel, founder of the Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation, emphasized the importance of utilizing AI in areas such as troop and equipment placement and battle strategy and tactics. He stressed the need for the military to invest in AI technology and hire AI experts to maintain a competitive edge.
Milley acknowledged that AI technology will be employed by all countries in military operations, making it essential for the U.S. to stay ahead. However, he also expressed concerns about the legal, ethical, and moral implications of AI in warfare, stating that leaders are still grappling with these issues.
In order to remain at the forefront of AI technology, the U.S. military must invest heavily and establish strong relationships with the private sector. The integration of AI into military operations will require collaboration with AI experts and continuous advancements to ensure superiority on the battlefield.
As AI continues to advance, its impact on military operations and the potential implications it holds for the future of warfare cannot be ignored. The U.S. government and military are working to navigate the complexities of AI technology while striving to maintain their position as a global military leader.
