Adm. Frank Bradley, the head of U.S. Special Operations Command, expressed caution regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations during a recent conference. He emphasized the need for careful consideration in the employment of AI, particularly in relation to its potential impact on military lethality. Bradley stated, "We, as humans, have to have the confidence that … it’s going to deliver violence only where we intend it to be delivered."
As the leader of SOCOM, Bradley oversees units responsible for high-risk military operations. The Department of Defense has been prioritizing the development of AI capabilities, entering agreements with several companies, including SpaceX, OpenAI, Oracle, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, to utilize their services in both classified and non-classified settings.
Melissa Johnson, the top acquisition official for SOCOM, noted that AI should help reduce cognitive workload in routine tasks. Sgt. Maj. Andrew Krogman, the top enlisted official for SOCOM, also highlighted AI's potential in handling administrative responsibilities.
The control of AI software by military or private companies has raised concerns, particularly after a dispute between the Pentagon and the AI company Anthropic regarding the use of its platform for surveillance and autonomous drones. The Pentagon has designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk, leading to ongoing litigation.
During a congressional hearing, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated the importance of AI in military operations, asserting that it should be integrated at all levels to maintain a competitive advantage. He also mentioned a desire for military AI systems to operate without ideological constraints.