For decades, defense teams have relied on systems that help them see further, decide faster, and act with precision. Now, Artificial Intelligence is accelerating our ability to do those things- shrinking decision timelines, adapting to emerging threats, and sustaining mission readiness in moments that matter most.
To advance this technology responsibly, sharing proven expertise across the defense community is critical.. That’s why we contributed to Advances in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Industrial and Systems Engineering, a new Wiley publication highlighting transformative AI use across sectors.
Decades of Defense AI, Distilled
Chapter 7, “Artificial Intelligence in Defense,” represents the collective expertise from our team that has driven AI innovation within the DoD for nearly 30 years: Dylan Schmorrow, Robert Sottilare, John Zaientz, John Sauter, Randolph Jones, Charles Newton, John Sussman-Fort, Robert Bixler, Brice Colby, Victor Hung, Jeffrey Craighead, Le Nguyen, and Ullice Pelican.
The chapter details how AI is actively transforming defense operations today, from command-and-control systems to autonomous platforms, cybersecurity frameworks, and adaptive training environments.
Where AI Delivers Mission Advantage
Our chapter breaks down four critical areas where AI transforms defense operations from concept to battlefield reality:
- Situational Awareness: Real-time data fusion delivers intelligence when decisions are time-critical.
- Autonomous Systems: AI powers uncrewed platforms that operate in contested environments while retaining human oversight.
- Predictive Operations: Machine learning shifts defense posture from reactive to predictive – enhancing cybersecurity, logistics, and mission planning.
- Adaptive Training: AI-driven simulations prepare teams for complex operational demand, often before deployment begins.
Real Capability, Responsible Deployment
Defense leaders ask the right questions: How do we deploy AI responsibly? What are the ethical boundaries? How do we maintain human accountability?
Our chapter explores these challenges through real-world implementations covering command-and-control, tactical planning, human-machine teaming, and medical readiness. It also presents ethical and operational frameworks that support secure, transparent, and effective AI integration. The result: AI systems that enhance mission outcomes without compromising on ethics or operational control.
Available Now
Advances in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Industrial and Systems Engineering is available through the Wiley Online Library. For defense leaders, technologists, and mission planners, Chapter 7 offers a practical, experience-based blueprint for how to integrate AI, responsibly and effectively, into today’s operational landscape.