Discussion on Podcast: Data in the Warzone
In a recent episode of the MWI Podcast, Dr. Richard Shultz and Gen. Richard Clarke discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). This strategic shift aims to optimize operations, increase speed, and maintain a strategic advantage in evolving warfare domains.
One key aspect of this integration is the adoption of advanced autonomy in unmanned systems. AI-powered agentic AI and vision language action (VLA) models are being employed to enable autonomous behaviors in robotic platforms, reducing the cognitive burden on operators and enhancing operational flexibility.
The SOF's technology wish list also includes advanced automatic target recognition (ATR), neural radiance fields for 3D navigation, generative AI for simulation and data augmentation, and automated machine learning operations (MLOps) for continuous model improvement during missions.
AI is also playing a crucial role in enhancing decision-making and mission planning. By automating data management, generating real-time battlefield insights, and improving prediction and wargaming of enemy courses of action, AI supports faster, more accurate military decision-making processes. This hybrid AI-human approach maintains trustworthiness through ongoing validation against real-world data.
Emerging AI systems, such as Anduril’s Lattice, enable real-time, multi-sensor data fusion and coordination across autonomous and manned platforms, allowing special operations forces to execute complex missions faster than human operators alone can manage.
The discussion also covers the history of US special operations forces' efforts in Iraq to adapt to the counterterrorism fight there, and how these forces made use of data to enable a rapid operational tempo.
Project Maven, a program aimed at harnessing new technological capabilities, is mentioned in the discussion. Gen. Clarke, who has spent much of his thirty-six-year military career in special operations units, and Dr. Shultz, who has researched and written about special operations forces and technology extensively, offer valuable insights into this integration.
An article co-authored by Dr. Shultz and Gen. Clarke on this topic is available for reading. The podcast episode can be found on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, and other podcast apps. The podcast can be subscribed to, ensuring that future episodes are not missed.
[1] Shultz, R., & Clarke, R. (2020). The AI-Powered Special Operations Force. War on the Rocks. [2] Shultz, R., & Clarke, R. (2020). The AI-Powered Special Operations Force. MWI Podcast. [3] Shultz, R., & Clarke, R. (2020). The AI-Powered Special Operations Force. The Cipher Brief. [4] Anduril Industries. (n.d.). Lattice. Retrieved from https://anduril.com/products/lattice/
- The integration of AI and ML into U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) includes the adoption of advanced autonomy in unmanned systems, utilizing AI-powered agentic AI and VLA models for autonomous behaviors.
- The SOF's technology wish list also includes advanced ATR, neural radiance fields for 3D navigation, generative AI for simulation and data augmentation, and MLOps for continuous model improvement during missions.
- AI is plays a crucial role in enhancing decision-making and mission planning, automating data management, generating real-time battlefield insights, and improving prediction and wargaming of enemy courses of action.
- Emerging AI systems, such as Anduril’s Lattice, enable real-time, multi-sensor data fusion and coordination across autonomous and manned platforms, allowing special operations forces to execute complex missions faster.
