AI in the US Military: Chatbots Assist Generals in Daily Life

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Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in the US military, not just in the development of new weapon systems. The AI "chat" has also become a great help in a commander's daily life, Major General William "Hank" Taylor reported during an exchange with journalists on the sidelines of the "Association of the United States Army Conference".

Taylor is on the staff of the United Nations Command in South Korea and works in the Operations Staff Department. In his role, he uses AI chatbots for tasks such as creating weekly reports, for analyses, and for modeling decision-making processes, he explained according to "Business Insider". In administrative areas, AI can relieve military personnel, especially with bureaucratic tasks.

The example of the Major General could help reduce apprehension about using artificial intelligence. Experts are convinced that AI is likely to play an increasingly important role in future conflicts.

Decisions at "Machine Speed"

The fact that commanders like Taylor rely so heavily on AI has strategic reasons. The focus is on the so-called "OODA Loop" principle – a theory from the Korean War that states: whoever observes, orients, decides, and acts faster than the opponent has the advantage on the battlefield. In future wars, decisions will no longer have to be made at human speed, but at "machine speed."

The integration of AI is no longer limited to command decisions. AI algorithms now control modified F-16 fighter jets through simulated air combat, assist in target acquisition and data processing. Special forces units use the technology to reduce the cognitive load on their operational forces – for example, when drafting situation reports, in operational concepts, or in logistics. The analysis of Pentagon doctrines and the onboarding of transferred employees are also facilitated by AI.

Bundeswehr with its AI Strategy

The Bundeswehr has also recognized the importance of AI. In EloKa Battalion 912, a unit for electronic warfare, the troops operate a specialized AI laboratory. There, soldiers and civilian specialists work together on solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Bundeswehr – for example, in the machine-based evaluation of radio traffic or in the intelligent calculation of flight routes.

The technology makes it possible to access vast amounts of data from reconnaissance and evaluation systems in the shortest possible time and convert them into usable information.

Keeping Risks in View

However, the use of AI also involves significant risks. The Pentagon warns that generative AI can disclose sensitive data and, with insufficient training, can provide erroneous answers – with potentially fatal consequences in high-risk decisions. Lieutenant General Michael Vetter, Head of the Cyber and Information Technology Department at the German Ministry of Defense, emphasizes: "AI can do both: cause harm, but also bring great benefit."

The Bundeswehr is particularly focused on cybersecurity. Training data for AI systems are a lucrative target for hacker attacks and manipulation attempts, Vetter warns. Incorrect or manipulated data could lead to wrong decisions. In addition, there is the growing risk from deepfakes – deceptively real, AI-generated images, videos, or audio. Therefore, human control in evaluating AI results is essential.

Another problem: Compared to large tech corporations, military organizations have significantly fewer resources. At the same time, comprehensive training of soldiers and leaders is necessary to effectively use the technology.

Avoiding an Arms Race

From a security policy perspective, the Bundeswehr urges caution. The rapid development of military AI applications harbors the danger of an arms race between states, which could destabilize the global balance of power and lower the threshold for the use of military force. Vetter therefore calls for an AI strategy that considers not only technological but also ethical, legal, and security policy dimensions.

(mki)