Military and civilian leaders gathered at Air University on Maxwell Air Force Base to discuss the growing importance of artificial intelligence in future warfighting. The two-day symposium, titled “Harnessing AI for Information Advantage,” focused on the potential benefits of AI and its impact on shaping the information advantage in future conflicts.
Key topics of discussion included the AI revolution, threats and promises of AI in military applications, developing AI-capable warfighters, and integrating AI into current strategies amidst great power competition. Lt. Col. Matthew Tipton emphasized the need to cultivate an ‘AI sense’ in Airmen, similar to how pilots develop ‘air sense’ through experience.
Keynote speakers, including Mr. Casey Mock and author Paul Scharre, highlighted the risks and opportunities associated with AI. Experts from various organizations, such as the Department of the Air Force AI Accelerator and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, shared insights on the role of AI in defense strategies.
The symposium also provided networking opportunities for Air Force leaders to engage with AI experts from academia, think tanks, and industry. Additionally, an Air University research showcase allowed students to present cutting-edge projects and discuss how AI can address complex challenges while enhancing safety and security.
Lt. Col. Tipton emphasized the importance of focusing on the truth about AI amidst various media portrayals. As AI continues to advance, it will play a critical role in optimizing defense strategies in the face of great power competition. The Air University AI Symposium serves as a crucial step in understanding and leveraging AI’s impact on the defense establishment.