US General Warns of Drastic Changes as AI Enters Military
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into the military, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, has issued a warning to the United States to be prepared for the significant changes it will bring. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Milley emphasized the need for the US military to adapt in order to maintain its superiority over other nations.
Milley explained that AI will revolutionize decision-making processes in the military by speeding up and automating the OODA loop, which stands for observe, orient, direct, and act. This loop is crucial for outwitting adversaries in combat. In the past, it involved the likes of Napoleon issuing orders in the middle of the night before their opponents even woke up. However, in the future, computers will play a central role in analyzing information and assisting in decision-making processes, such as troop movements.
Milley predicts that within the next 10 to 15 years, AI will be optimized for command and control of military operations. Currently, all decisions must pass through a human OODA loop, and autonomous weapons systems are required to allow human judgment in the use of force, as outlined by the Department of Defense.
The US Department of Defense has a new program called Replicator, aiming to challenge the size of China’s military by developing thousands of autonomous weapons systems powered by AI. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Kathleen Hicks, emphasizes that human responsibility for the use of force will always remain in place.
While AI brings significant advancements, concerns have been raised about unintended consequences. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that autonomous weapons, including those using AI, could lead to civilian casualties or escalate conflicts. Milley acknowledges the legal, ethical, and moral implications of AI and highlights the ongoing efforts to address these concerns.
The integration of AI into the military will undoubtedly bring about drastic changes that require careful consideration and preparation. As the US prepares for this new era of warfare, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s potential and addressing potential risks. The United States must navigate the legal, ethical, and moral implications of AI to ensure its military remains superior while adhering to well-established principles.
