CSIAC JOURNAL

Today’s battlefield includes all types of equipment, manned and unmanned. However, in the future, battles will be relatively quiet, yet lightning fast in operations and outcomes. For example, in a remote training site, the U.S. Army is practicing the use of newly developed quantum machine-learning (QML)-enabled aerial and ground manned/unmanned systems. The form factor for the QML has decreased by orders of magnitude such that QML algorithms execute on micropayloads hosted on hypersonic platforms. Since opposing forces have similar capabilities, the goal is to deplete each other’s combat power in nanoseconds. Spread over thousands of kilometers in all directions, the QML-driven battle ends in less than five minutes, leaving thousands of drones and robotic vehicles with multiple multiprocessors decimated and neutralized.

Artificial intelligence (AI) fuels not only the technological advancements in our businesses and homes but also redefines the operational frameworks of governments, military, and the broader societal constructs. The essence of this transformative power, however, finds its most compelling narrative in leadership and organizational health, where machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, plays a pivotal role. AI/ML can be used to support leaders in their efforts to manage and monitor initiatives and drive decisions. ML algorithms using continuous data collection activities can assist and support organization’s leaders through understanding if implemented initiatives are impacting operations by improving staff cross-collaboration and productivity while improving product and service innovation. Using predictive analytics to analyze trending data to predict future outcomes, leaders can determine if staying the course or pivoting in a certain direction is needed.

Military commanders have used information throughout warfare to influence, mislead, disrupt, or otherwise affect the enemy’s decision-making and capabilities. This article discusses the history of information operations (IOs) and enduring importance of incorporating actions in the information environment in military strategy.