MILITARY AI IS GETTING MORE ATTENTION FROM THE US AND OTHERS


By bblouin
Military ai maze.

Military AI has widespread potential. However, there are many ethical questions that need answering. While AI military applications can help make better calculations for troops or streamline supply chains, there are several dystopian possibilities. This includes machines going rogue on non-combatants or even committing friendly fire. These concerns and uncharted territories are bringing together the United States and many other nations to navigate the use of AI in military operations. Suggested read: Changes Are Being Made to the New 2025 Military Pay Raise

Does the Military Use AI?

The U.S. military has long utilized AI, evolving to handle complex tasks with minimal human intervention. While human oversight remains vital, military AI continues to see its role expand, encompassing decision support systems aiding defense leaders across various domains. Each nation is utilizing military artificial intelligence in its own way but the United States is seeking out widespread application. This is proved by recent testing by The Pentagon using AI drones in the military for the Navy and Air Force. The U.S. government leads global efforts to establish norms for responsible military artificial intelligence use. In February 2023, 47 states endorsed the "Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy," emphasizing the importance of ethical AI deployment at the Military Domain Summit (REAIM 2023) in the Hague.

Project Maven

One of the largest examples of artificial intelligence usage within the U.S. military remains Project Maven. Created in 2017, Project Maven aims to integrate artificial intelligence into warfare. However, concerns about the involvement of tech giants, such as Google, and the ability for facial recognition continue to be ethical dilemmas for the program. By 2020, live ammunition exercises employing AI algorithms were conducted by the Army. Accuracy concerns are adding to the debate surrounding AI's role in warfare. Situational awareness and intelligence gathering are two tremendously important aspects of any military unit. Project Maven still has some tweaks to work out, however, its overall goal is to help troops with situational awareness. The making of complex decisions rapidly continues to be an attainable goal for the future of American warfare. Related read: A Peek Into Project Maven: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Military AI Ethics, Laws, and Policies

The U.S. State Department is convening the first meeting of signatories in March 2024, with a focus on military artificial intelligence applications. Experts are praising the initiative for prioritizing ethical AI use in a rapidly changing world; however, multiple world superpowers are not attending amid geopolitical tensions in Europe and Asia. Despite notable absentees, the conference aims to promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military. Additionally, there are plans for ongoing discussions to address emerging challenges and developments. The responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomy is necessary for world peace and for maintaining international laws involving the rules of war. This is especially important as we consider military AI applications to help troops on the battlefield. Read next: Celebrating Women in the Military: WW2’s 6888th Battalion


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