Readiness, Deadliness, and Data Knowledge: Pivotal Elements for Army Adaptation to the Data-Centric, Artificial Intelligence-Dominated Future of Combat
In the dead of night, deep behind enemy lines, a US Army Special Forces team, guided by local resistance scouts and aided by an AI-driven data system, prepared to disrupt an enemy command post. The team's wrist displays flickered with crucial updates, the AI streaming real-time intelligence from satellites, drones, and cyber channels. As they navigated treacherous terrain undetected, they made fools of traditional sensors that couldn't keep up.
Their success was a testament to the significance of data and artificial intelligence in contemporary warfare. These game-changers aren't mere accessories but critical components in achieving victory in large-scale combat operations and multidomain operations. The US Army's Field Manual 3-0 emphasizes the integration of data and AI across multiple domains-land, air, sea, cyber, and space-to secure victory. Data literacy has emerged as a fundamental competency for Army leaders, enabling them to harness these advancements effectively and remain competitive in the fast-paced, dynamic world of modern warfare.
Warfare has forever been evolving, shaped by technological advancements and strategic innovations. Technological breakthroughs like the longbow and the tank redefined military tactics and outcomes. Today, the transformative power lies in the realm of data and digital technologies. The ability to collect, analyze, and act upon data has become a crucial factor in ensuring operational success. Unprecedented data processing and interpretation capabilities enabled by AI facilitate real-time decision-making and boost the precision and effectiveness of military operations.
Data has become a valuable strategic asset, essential for retaining a competitive military edge. The sheer volume of data generated on the modern battlefield requires advanced methods of analysis and interpretation. Integrating and analyzing data from numerous sources provides military leaders with a holistic understanding of the battlespace. This understanding is vital for forecasting enemy actions, optimizing resource allocation, and executing sophisticated engagements. Data-driven insights guide commanders to make informed decisions and adapt swiftly to changing dynamics, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the likelihood of failure.
Data literacy begins with understanding and interpreting data accurately. Leaders must inspect and analyze data from multiple sources, elucidating key trends and insights that guide operational decisions. Critical thinking and the ability to make data-driven decisions is also essential. Leaders must scrutinize assumptions, assess the dependability of data sources, and evaluate the implications of data-driven insights, ensuring that decisions are grounded in accurate and pertinent information.
Given the critical importance of data literacy, the Army must prioritize its cultivation across all levels of leadership. Integrating data literacy into professional military education curricula equips future leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. This demands dedicated courses on data analysis, AI, and machine learning, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. Data literacy should also be woven into all aspects of professional military education, including leadership, logistics, and operational planning. Lectures from data science experts and collaborative projects with civilian institutions specializing in data analytics can also enhance the learning experience.
For the operational force, continuous training and education avenues must be accessible to all soldiers. The development of data literacy in the field depends on such ongoing learning programs, delivered through online platforms, workshops, and in-person sessions. These programs should cater to various roles and units. Within units, data literacy mentorship programs can foster a culture of learning and collaboration. Leaders with advanced skills can guide peers and subordinates in applying data-driven tools in real-world scenarios.
Encouraging individual self-development is also essential for building data literacy. Recognizing the importance of this skill set for professional growth and operational effectiveness, leaders should take personal responsibility for enhancing their understanding of data and AI. Access to online learning resources, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and encouraging critical thinking can help leaders stay current with the latest developments in data and AI.
The future of warfare relies on the ability to integrate and harness data across domains. As the US Army adapts to emerging threats and technological advancements, data literacy will become increasingly crucial. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in maximizing data utility, providing the analytical power required to interpret battlefield data. Yet, the effectiveness of AI depends on human leaders' ability to understand and apply its insights. Data literacy serves as the conduit between AI-generated intelligence and meaningful decision-making, influencing the trajectory of future conflicts.
For the US Army, embracing data literacy is not a luxury; it must be prioritized. The Army can equip its leaders to navigate the complexities of modern warfare by integrating data literacy into professional military education, fostering it within the operational force, and encouraging individual self-development. The battles of tomorrow will be shaped by those who master data and AI, and the Army must ready its leaders to seize this challenge head-on.
Major Charlie Phelps is currently pursuing the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth. He is a Special Forces officer who recently served as an instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and tactical officer at West Point.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
Image credit: Sgt. Alejandro L. Carrasquel Vazquez, US Army
[1] Fort Leavenworth Lighthouse. (2021). WATER: The Next Generation Command and Control. https://forum.army.mil/index.php?/topic/70253-water-the-next-generation-command-and-control/
[2] United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. (2020). Field Manual 3-0, Operations. https://www.tradoc.army.mil/ Carmen2/Portal/AARDocuments/FM/71/FM30.pdf
[3] The AKO News Team. (2020, February 27). TRADOC named Army digital modernization leader. Army Knowledge Online. https://us.army.mil/articles/206960/tradoc-named-army-digital-modernization-leader
[4] #NGC2 Prototype Competition. (2021). Next Generation Command and Control Open Prototype Competition. https://nextgenerationcommandandcontrol.com/
[5] Kahn, K. (2020, April 2). SOCOM relies on data analytics to fight covid-19. The EBN. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/02/socom-relying-data-analytics-fight-coronavirus.html
- Major Charlie Phelps, a Special Forces officer pursuing the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth, underscores the importance of data literacy in contemporary warfare.
- As AI-driven data systems become integral to warfare, data literacy emerges as a fundamental competency for Army leaders.
- The US Army's Field Manual 3-0 emphasizes the integration of data and AI across multiple domains, including logistics and military education.
- As technology advances, data has become a valuable strategic asset, essential for enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining a competitive military edge.
- In preparation for future conflicts, the Army must prioritize data literacy across all levels of leadership, integrating it into professional military education, continuous training, and self-development.
- The future of warfare will rely on human leaders' ability to understand AI-generated intelligence and make data-driven decisions effectively, making data literacy a crucial skill for the operational force.
