US retired Gen. foresees robotic future for US military

US Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley has sparked discussions about the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in defence.

Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, predicts that advancements in artificial intelligence and unmanned technology could lead to a significant portion of the US military being robotic within the next decade or so.

Speaking at an Axios event launching their Future of Defense newsletter, Milley estimated that in 10 to 15 years, between 25 per cent to 33 per cent of the US military could consist of robotic forces controlled by AI systems, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

He emphasised that these technological advancements would enable militaries globally to enhance decision-making speed and efficiency in warfare, while distinguishing between the nature of war, which involves human activity and political objectives through organized violence.

Milley emphasized that the character of war encompasses tactics, technologies, weapon systems, and leader training, all of which evolve over time. He pointed out that the current era represents the most significant shift in human history due to the emergence of AI and robotics. Drawing parallels, Milley likened this transformation to historical changes such as the transition from Civil War muskets to rifles, which permanently reshaped warfare.

According to Milley, the nation that successfully integrates these technologies into military applications at a rapid pace will gain substantial strategic advantages over its rivals. He stressed that for the United States to maintain its position as the world's foremost military power, it must not only adapt swiftly but also be prepared for potentially disruptive changes in military operations.

Milley clarified that existing US policy mandates human oversight and control over military robots, particularly in their use of lethal munitions. He emphasized that humans are deemed essential due to their ethical framework for decision-making, which is prioritized as paramount.

Highlighting a critical distinction, Milley underscored that technology itself lacks inherent morality. However, he acknowledged the potential for future developments where this could evolve. He posed a question about whether the world would accept a scenario where AI-enabled robots could autonomously make decisions.

Milley mused, "You can imagine a future where a machine empowered by AI, a robot empowered by AI, could independently make decisions. Is that something the world wants?"