Military Command and Human Judgment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The acceleration of military decision-making processes by AI-backed systems challenges the balance between traditional command doctrines and human judgment.
The integration of artificial intelligence technologies into military operations calls into question the assumption that warfare is resistant to mechanization. The accelerated decision cycles observed in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East make it imperative to redefine commanders' human-centric leadership understanding and accountability mechanisms.
Mechanization and Speed in Warfare
Artificial intelligence accelerates processes from sensor to shooter, presenting targeting options on an unprecedented scale. This situation pushes commanders' decision-making processes to the point of selecting machine-generated recommendations.
Shift of Trust in Command Doctrine
U.S. Army Doctrine Publication 6-0 defines command as a process of mutual trust and human-centric interaction. However, the management of situational awareness by AI systems creates the risk of trust shifting from human leaders to algorithmic systems.
The Risk of Command Without Control
The author draws attention to a state of 'command without control' where authority is formally retained, but human judgment is hollowed out by speed-focused systems. This process can weaken the professional judgment that forms the basis of military leadership.
The Importance of Human Judgment
Rather than rejecting artificial intelligence, military leaders need to persistently emphasize the human judgment that these systems render redundant. While accountability still remains with the commander, balancing technological speed with wisdom is a critical necessity.