Can Artificial Intelligence Systems Improve Information-Gathering Efficiency in Army Mission Command Processes
Abstract
Due to the growing number of sensors and increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our world, future military operations will be characterized by abundant information and decision-making at machine speeds. Thus, Army leaders will need the ability to make decisions and sift through large amounts of information more quickly. AI systems have the potential to provide this ability. We examined the utility of AI for information gathering in operational contexts. Participants searched Army doctrine for specific information using one of two versions of a commercial AI software system or a more traditional search method. One version of the AI system used prototype algorithms, data sets, and AI application development to deliver Army-relevant knowledge to aid information gathering, and the other did not. Participants were neither faster nor more accurate at searching when using an AI system than when using the traditional search method. Participants were also no more confident in their search results when using an AI system rather than the traditional method. Participants were, however, faster, but less accurate, when using the Army AI system rather than the non-Army one. The results of the research inform future use of AI systems in military contexts, and speak to the importance of empirically validating assumptions about AI and its impact on human performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1107156
Entities
People
- Brett R. Burland
- Cary R. Stothart
- Deborah S Couch
- Francis D Messina
- Henry C Strickland
- Jeffrey D. From
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences