In the dead of night, deep behind enemy lines, a US Army Special Forces team prepared for a mission that could turn the tide of conflict: neutralize an enemy command post orchestrating a series of destructive missile strikes on coalition forces. The landscape was a labyrinth of obstacles—rough terrain, dense vegetation, and a well-entrenched adversary. Yet, the team was armed with more than just weapons. Two scouts from a local resistance organization guided their patrol. The scouts’ first encounter with Green Berets was ten years ago during a peacetime training exchange. The team also wielded a powerful asset: an AI-driven data system providing real-time intelligence from an array of sources—satellites, drones, and cyber channels automated to offer protection to the small patrol. As they navigated the hostile terrain, their wrist displays flickered with crucial updates. The AI had pinpointed an approaching enemy patrol, undetected by traditional sensors operating independently of one another. With a few taps, the team leader accessed a dynamic map showing the patrol’s precise location and movement pattern. Adjusting their approach, the soldiers avoided detection and pressed on toward their target. Upon reaching the objective, the team broadcasted a piece of malware that disrupted the command post’s electromagnetic spectrum masking, allowing for target designation by low earth orbit assets. Moments later, a pinpointed ground-based hypersonic missile, guided by AI-processed data, obliterated the command post. The mission’s success was a testament not only to the operators’ skill but also to their technology-enabled mastery of data and employment of AI-enabled systems.
This scenario highlights a crucial reality of contemporary warfare: data and artificial intelligence are not merely supplementary tools but essential elements for achieving success in large-scale combat operations and multidomain operations. The US Army’s Field Manual 3-0 underscores the importance of integrating data and AI across multiple domains—land, air, sea, cyber, and space—to secure victory. Data literacy has emerged as a fundamental competency for Army leaders, enabling them to leverage these advancements effectively and stay ahead in the complex and dynamic operational environments of modern warfare.
The Evolution of Warfare and the Role of Data
Warfare has continuously evolved, shaped by technological advancements and strategic innovations. Historically, each major technological leap—from the longbow to the tank—redefined military tactics and outcomes. Today, the transformative power lies in the realm of data and digital technologies. This shift is particularly evident in the context of multidomain operations—the Army’s operational concept—where success hinges on the ability to synthesize and act upon vast amounts of data across various domains.
In the digital age, data and AI represent the latest in a long line of transformative technologies. The ability to collect, analyze, and act upon data has become a critical factor in determining operational success. Unlike previous technological advancements, data and AI offer the ability to process and interpret information on a scale and at a speed previously unimaginable. This capability enables real-time decision-making and enhances the precision and effectiveness of military operations.
Data has emerged as a strategic asset, crucial for maintaining a competitive military edge. The sheer volume of data generated on the contemporary battlefield—from a growing and increasingly diversified network of sensors—requires advanced methods of analysis and interpretation. The ability to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources allows military leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace. This understanding is crucial for anticipating enemy actions, optimizing resource allocation, and executing complex maneuvers. Data-driven insights enable commanders to make informed decisions and adapt rapidly to changing conditions, enhancing operational effectiveness and reducing the risk of failure.
Data Literacy: A Critical Skill for Modern Leaders
Data literacy begins with the ability to understand and interpret data accurately. Leaders must be able to read and analyze data from various sources, identifying key trends and insights that inform operational decisions. This skill is crucial for tasks such as target identification, resource allocation, and threat assessment. Data literacy also involves critical thinking and the ability to make data-driven decisions. Leaders must question assumptions, evaluate the reliability of data sources, and assess the implications of data-driven insights. This critical approach ensures that decisions are based on accurate and relevant information, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing operational effectiveness. In a multidomain environment, where the situation can change rapidly driven by inputs from disparate sensors, data literacy allows leaders to adapt quickly and make informed decisions in real time. For instance, AI-generated predictions about enemy movements can help commanders anticipate and counter enemy actions, while data-driven insights into supply chain logistics can optimize resource distribution.
Given the critical importance of data literacy, the Army must prioritize its development across all levels of leadership. Building data literacy should be a multifaceted approach, encompassing professional military education, operational force training, and individual self-development.
Data Literacy in Professional Military Education
Professional military education (PME) is the cornerstone of leadership development in the Army. Integrating data literacy into PME curricula ensures that future leaders are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.
Doing so should be built on three key fundamental approaches. The first is incorporating data analysis and AI into curricula. PME programs should include dedicated courses on data analysis, AI, and machine learning. These courses should provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, allowing students to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios. For example, wargames can be enhanced with AI-driven simulations, requiring students to interpret data and adjust their strategies accordingly. Use of case studies and the case methodology of teaching offers an avenue for exposing leaders to data analysis in application-based learning environments.
Second, data literacy should be integrated into all aspects of PME, including leadership, logistics, and operational planning. Leaders need to understand how data impacts every facet of military operations and be able to incorporate data-driven insights into their decision-making processes. Case studies, guest lectures from data science experts, and collaborative projects with civilian institutions specializing in data analytics can enhance this learning experience.
Third, PME institutions should emphasize the ethical use of data and AI. Discussions on responsible data use, algorithmic biases, and the implications of data-driven decisions on human rights and international law are essential. This ethical foundation will ensure that future leaders use data and AI responsibly and effectively.
Building Data Literacy in the Operational Force
The operational force is where data literacy directly translates into mission success. This means that the Army must also focus its efforts here, implementing strategies to build data literacy at the unit level to ensure that all leaders are proficient in using data to enhance operational effectiveness.
One important way to do this is to introduce continuous training and education. Ongoing data literacy training programs should be accessible to all soldiers. These programs can be delivered through online platforms, workshops, and in-person sessions. Topics should range from basic data interpretation to advanced AI applications, tailored to the specific needs of different units and roles. This training should be integrated into regular unit activities, reinforcing its importance in military readiness.
Another key step is the creation of data literacy mentorship programs within units to accelerate data literacy. Leaders with advanced data skills can mentor their peers and subordinates, creating a culture of learning and collaboration. These mentors can guide others in understanding data-driven tools and applying them in operational contexts.
Finally, improving data literacy only matters if soldiers and leaders have the opportunity to utilize these skills, so fielding data-driven tools and systems is vital. The Army should continue to develop and field user-friendly data-driven tools, and these tools should be integrated into daily operations, from planning to execution, allowing leaders to practice data-driven decision-making. Additionally, training in these tools should focus on interpreting outputs and applying them in real-world scenarios.
Encouraging Self-Development in Data Literacy
Individual self-development is crucial for building data literacy. Leaders must take personal responsibility for enhancing their understanding of data and AI, recognizing the importance of this skill set for their professional growth and operational effectiveness.
This requires, first and foremost, access to online learning resources. Subscriptions to courses, webinars, and e-books covering topics from basic statistics to advanced machine learning can help leaders stay current with the latest developments.
It also requires, however, a culture of lifelong learning. The Army should take deliberate steps to foster a culture that values continuous learning and self-improvement. Leaders should be encouraged to set personal learning goals related to data literacy and share their knowledge with others. Recognizing and rewarding those who take the initiative to improve their data skills can support this culture.
Finally, the Army must encourage critical thinking and curiosity, both of which are essential for data literacy. Leaders should be encouraged to question assumptions, seek out new information, and apply data-driven insights in complex environments.
The Future of Warfare: Data-Driven and AI-Enhanced
As the US Army continues to adapt to emerging threats and technological advancements, data literacy will become increasingly important. The future of warfare will be defined by the ability to integrate and exploit data across domains, and leaders who possess strong data literacy skills will be at the forefront of this transformation.
Artificial intelligence will play a central role in enhancing data utility, providing the analytical power needed to process and interpret battlefield data. However, the effectiveness of AI will depend on human leaders’ ability to understand and apply its insights. Data literacy will be the bridge connecting AI-generated intelligence to actionable decision-making, shaping the outcomes of future conflicts.
For the US Army, then, building data literacy is not a luxury. It cannot be an afterthought. The Army must prioritize data literacy as a critical skill for its leaders. By integrating data literacy into PME, fostering it within the operational force, and encouraging self-development, the Army can ensure that its leaders are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. The battlefield of the future will be shaped by those who master data and AI, and the Army must equip its leaders to meet this challenge head-on.
Major Charlie Phelps is currently enrolled in the Command and General Staff Course at Fort Leavenworth. He is a Special Forces officer who recently served as an instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership and tactical officer at West Point.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
Image credit: Sgt. Alejandro L. Carrasquel Vazquez, US Army