Milley: By 2039, One-Third of US Military Could be Robotic

The Future of Warfare: Rise of Robotic Military Forces and AI Integration

Retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently made a bold prediction about the future of military forces. Speaking at an Axios event, Milley suggested that in the next ten to fifteen years, a significant portion of the U.S. military could be composed of robotic entities controlled by artificial intelligence.

Milley emphasized the importance of adapting to advancements in technology and the changing nature of warfare. He pointed out that as AI and robotics continue to evolve, militaries around the world will have the opportunity to make smarter and faster decisions on the battlefield.

While acknowledging the enduring aspect of war involving human activity and politics, Milley highlighted the significant shift currently taking place in the character of war due to AI and robotics. He compared this transformation to historical changes such as the transition from muskets to rifles during the Civil War.

The general stressed the importance of staying ahead in implementing these technologies for military use to gain an advantage over adversaries. However, he also mentioned the ethical considerations surrounding the use of autonomous military robots and lethal munitions.

Milley noted that current U.S. policy requires a human to always be involved and in charge of decisions regarding military robots. He underscored the importance of human ethical frameworks in decision-making, emphasizing that technology lacks inherent morality.

Nevertheless, Milley did not rule out the possibility of a future where AI-enabled robots could make decisions independently. He posed the question of whether the world is prepared for such a scenario.

As the world continues to grapple with the implications of AI and robotic technology in warfare, Gen. Mark Milley’s insights provide a glimpse into a future where robotic military forces may play a more prominent role on the battlefield.

Scroll to Top