The US military is actively testing the capabilities of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for military tasks. According to Bloomberg, US Air Force Colonel Matthew Strohmeyer hailed the initial results of the large-language models (LLMs) experiment as highly successful and efficient, showcasing the potential of AI in the military domain.
LLMs, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, are extensively trained on vast datasets to generate human-like outputs. Colonel Strohmeyer revealed that previously time-consuming information-based tasks could now be completed within minutes, with one test yielding results in a mere ten minutes. Impressively, the tests were conducted using secret-level data, underscoring the growing confidence in AI’s ability to handle sensitive information.
While cautious about immediate implementation, Colonel Strohmeyer expressed his belief that the US military could soon deploy AI for operational purposes. The ongoing experimentation with LLMs, set to continue until July 26, aims to determine if AI can aid in planning military responses and generate novel options that may have previously been overlooked.
The Pentagon has not disclosed the names of the five LLMs employed during the experimentation; however, Scale AI confirmed that its Donovan product is being tested by the military. Donovan, a decision-making AI tailored for defense applications, proudly states on its website that both the US Army and US Air Force are its customers.
In a broader context, the United States is taking strategic measures to maintain an advantage over China in the realm of AI. Fearing that China could develop more powerful AI systems for weaponization, the US plans to impose restrictions on the export of AI chips.
The convergence of advanced AI technologies and military operations marks a significant leap in the potential for rapid decision-making and enhanced strategic planning within the armed forces. As the US military ventures further into the realm of Generative AI, its pursuit of cutting-edge solutions could redefine the future of warfare and national security.