NEEDED: NEW DIGITAL SKILLS
and managing the radio spectrum, including using different waveforms as well as selected radio frequencies. AI and ML can automate many of these tasks, which speeds up the moves, reduces the chance for errors and reduces the number of personnel needed to do the job.
Decreasing the number of personnel required to conduct these operations yields two different benefits. First, using fewer people reduces the logistical train of food, energy, housing and transporta- tion needed by the unit conducting these moves. Second, this reduces the physical size of the unit and minimizes its heat and electronic footprint, which makes it harder for the enemy to locate and attack it.
But the real benefit of AI and ML tech- nology is that it helps Soldiers tear down, move and set up much faster and lets them concentrate on higher level decisions, such
as where different elements should be placed and what the unit will be doing to help with the fight.
PROVIDING DECISION DOMINANCE AI and ML can collect the vast amount of information now available on the battle- field, process it and quickly make it usable by leadership. For example, a forward observer on a battlefield may spot, using a thermal sensor, an unfamiliar vehi- cle. Te battlefield operational awareness provided by smart technology alerts the Soldier if the unknown vehicle is likely to be friendly or a threat. Te digital image of the vehicle, transmitted by the network, is also processed using AI to quickly iden- tify the type of vehicle, assess what kind of threat it may pose and, if there are mark- ings on the machine, it can even determine which unit it belongs to, which is a valu- able piece of information.
At the same time, AI can determine what friendly artillery assets may be available to engage the vehicle, and then if leadership approves, rapidly process a call for fire and provide the target coordinates.
Tese are all ways AI and ML can lighten what is known as the “cognitive load” on Soldiers, so they can concentrate on the most important task of all: Winning the fight.
But there are tradeoffs involved in the use of AI and ML. While it allows the use of fewer personnel, it does require personnel who have the digital knowledge and skills to get the most out of it. In other words, using AI and ML technology means the Army must invest in upgrading its work- force’s digital skills.
Tis is especially true for the acquisition workforce.
CRITICAL STEM
Kekeli Woyome practices dissecting mosquitoes in an entomology lab for her High School Apprenticeship program with AEOP, a program that reaches over 28,000 students. (Photo by Amy Blencowe, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research)
6 Army AL&T Magazine Winter 2024
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