Why The Pentagon Wanted Rules
As the Pentagon began investing in artificial intelligence (AI) several years ago, leaders recognized its potential to revolutionize various military operations—from logistics to intelligence analysis. However, there was a significant challenge: without clearly defined boundaries, AI could just as easily jeopardize U.S. values and violate international laws. In 2018, the leadership of the Department of Defense (DoD) directed the Defense Innovation Board (DIB)—a group of external experts from technology, academia, and industry—to draft ethical guidelines specifically for military AI applications.
The DIB engaged in an extensive dialogue over the course of a year, consulting military commanders, engineers, policymakers, and allied nations. They also incorporated perspectives from civilians across universities and advocacy groups to ensure a robust examination of the Pentagon’s framework. The dual aims were clear: to protect the reputation of the U.S. military and to foster trust among allies and the public regarding America’s commitment to using AI responsibly.
The Five Principles
In early 2020, the Pentagon unveiled five core principles governing the use of AI:
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Responsibility: Ultimately, humans remain in control. While AI can assist, accountability for its application lies with people.
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Equitability: This principle focuses on eliminating biases in both data and algorithms. By doing so, it prevents AI systems from unjustly targeting or misidentifying specific groups.
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Traceability: Transparency is crucial. A comprehensive record should exist detailing how AI systems are developed and the rationale behind their decisions.
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Reliability: AI systems must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they function safely within designated parameters, whether for identifying enemy aircraft or managing logistics.
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Governability: This principle, often likened to a “kill switch,” demands that humans can override AI systems that behave unpredictably.
These principles align with existing U.S. law, the Constitution, and the Law of Armed Conflict. However, experts emphasize that implementing these guidelines poses unique challenges. Modern AI often operates as a “black box,” making it difficult for commanders to fully understand how systems arrive at their conclusions while still holding legal and moral accountability.
From Paper To Practice
Crafting ethical principles is one endeavor; operationalizing them is another. The responsibility for this task fell to the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), which has since merged into the Office of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO). This office has developed a Responsible AI Toolkit and outlined strategies to implement these principles across military operations.
A notable focus has been on human-machine teaming, where AI aids in data analysis or decision-making without usurping human authority. For instance, while AI systems can analyze drone footage rapidly, they do not possess the capability to decide on targets or execute strikes independently.
Despite these advancements, concerns remain. Scholars warn that humans may become “moral crumple zones,” held accountable for errors made by AI, even when they lack control over its decision-making processes. To address this issue, the Pentagon is developing new testing and evaluation processes that prioritize the interpretability and reliability of AI systems. Additionally, Congress has intervened through defense bills, mandating pilot programs and reports to ensure adherence to ethical standards.
Beyond The United States
Recognizing the global implications of AI ethics, the Pentagon has emphasized collaborative efforts. In 2023, the U.S. led the establishment of the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy at the REAIM Summit in The Hague. By 2024, over 50 countries had endorsed the declaration, with a subsequent summit in Seoul furthering the dialogue. NATO allies are pursuing their own ethical frameworks for AI, underscoring the need for coordination in joint military operations.
The U.S. aims to set global standards for military AI use, both to deter adversaries from unethical practices and to reassure allies of America’s commitment to safety and accountability.
Bottom Line
The efforts of the Pentagon’s AI ethics board and the principles it formulated aim to keep U.S. forces at the forefront of military technology while upholding control and credibility. Yet, the path to ethical AI deployment is fraught with challenges. As AI systems advance in intelligence and complexity, the imperative to maintain human oversight becomes increasingly critical. The ongoing initiatives—from toolkits and training to international agreements—are designed to establish safeguards to prevent potential issues before they arise in combat scenarios.
For the military, the stakes are extraordinary. A successful integration of AI could serve as a strategic advantage, whereas a failure could lead to severe consequences, ranging from tactical errors to ethical violations.