With the recent deestablishment of the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Unmanned Systems, the Navy’s acquisition chief hopes for the groundwork it laid to be redistributed to other components of the service, integrating unmanned development all across the Navy. To facilitate this advancement, it seems worthwhile to delve into what has already been discussed on the subject of autonomous warfare. Presented here is a selection of highlights from Proceedings over the past few years:
Autonomous Issues
Whether or not you welcome our new robot overlords, there are problems that need to be solved with their arrival. These articles address autonomous warfare in general.
Unman Your Battle Stations! – By Commander Michael J. Dobbs, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Proceedings Magazine – December 2013 Vol. 139/12/1330
Winner of the 2013 Unmanned Maritime Systems Essay Contest, this piece provides an excellent overview of the upcoming issues surrounding unmanned systems in all fields, and how leadership should approach them.
The Age of Unmanned Systems – By Rear Admiral Mark Darrah, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – September 2015 Vol. 141/9/1351
Nary a stone is left unturned in this viciously detailed analysis of autonomous systems. Focusing primarily on unmanned aerial systems, this article delves into issues likely to arise with autonomous systems in any field of combat.
Now Hear This – The Navy’s Most Important Resource? Its People. – By Ensign Chris Pagenkopf, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – October 2013 Vol. 139/10/1328
Published not long before CDR Dobbs’ essay, this piece raises valid concerns about an overzealous focus on autonomy over personnel, especially when it comes to the distribution of funds.
Autonomous Maritime Systems Need A Captain – By Lieutenant Alex Laun, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – July 2017 Vol. 143/7/1373
Highly relevant to the recent news about DASN Unmanned Systems, this piece calls for a more centralized focus for organizing and developing our unmanned systems. A Robot Rickover, if you will.
Electronic Ethics
Ethics in war is a tricky enough discussion when there are people in the field. These articles discuss how to solve the problem of robots making those same choices.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Ethics – By Ensign Rique Sanchez, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – June 2010 Vol. 136/6/1288
This shorter piece serves as an effective launching point into the ethical issues with removing humans from the decision making process, raising concerns about justice in war.
Unmanned Ethics – By Ensign Samuel S. Lacinski, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – September 2015 Vol. 141/9/1351
A much more detailed analysis of the ethical principles surrounding unmanned systems, focusing specifically on UAVs.
Protecting Our Warrior Ethos Tomorrow – By Major Scott Hummer, U.S. Marine Corps
Proceedings Magazine – February 2018 Vol. 144/2/1380
When we start replacing humans with machines, how will the remaining humans respond? This piece delves into how we should handle the remaining human element with the inclusion of autonomous weapons systems.
AI Goes to War! – By Captain Brent Droste Sadler, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – December 2016 Vol. 142/12/1366
This piece details the theoretical approach to designing software that can make effective and ethical battlefield decisions.
High-Tech Tactics
Having the technology for unmanned systems is all well and good, but how do we employ it? These articles discuss the ways we can expect to use autonomous systems.
On Hyperwar – By General John R. Allen, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), and Amir Husain
Proceedings Magazine – July 2017 Vol. 143/7/1373
This piece blends intense fictional scenarios with hard-hitting discussion on the future of warfare with the presence of autonomous elements.
Trust Autonomous Machines – By Commander Phillip E. Pournelle, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Proceedings Magazine – June 2017 Vol. 143/6/1372
This article encourages the use of smaller, autonomous platforms to avoid the problem of a “brittle fleet,” and discusses the types of behaviors we must develop in autonomous platforms to build trust in these machines.
Future Carrier Strike is Unmanned – By Commander Nick Woodworth, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – December 2016 Vol. 142/12/1366
A highly detailed model of a potential future for the Carrier Strike model.
Cloud Combat: Thinking Machines in Future Wars – By Lieutenant (j.g.) Matthew R. Hipple, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – July 2012 Vol. 138/7/1313
This piece cites active research to paint a highly detailed look at a potential future of human/machine interaction in warfare.
Deal With the Next Threat – By Lieutenant Ryan “PC” Agte, U.S. Navy
Proceedings Magazine – May 2018 Vol. 144/5/1383
This piece details the very real threat of the current state of drone technology.
Let us know where you stand in this discussion!
If you’re interested in more, you might enjoy reading Automated Valor, a fictional look at the future of warfare by August Cole, co-author of Ghost Fleet.
