CSA's Articles of the Month
General George's reading list for April
For April, the CSA highlights the future of warfare with AI, a new method for ammo requests, continually advancing strategies for UAS, and the importance of realistic training.
Black on Ammunition, Green on Forecasting: Ammunition Lessons Learned from a DIVARTY in a Division Warfighter Exercise
MAJ Mikhail Jackson
Soldiers assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Brigade unload an ammunition container from an M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System at a rearm, refuel, and resupply point during Dynamic Front 25 in Rovajärvi, Finland, 7 November 2024. (Photo by Sgt. Gianna Elle Sulger, U.S. Army)
In his article, MAJ Jackson discusses lessons learned for ammunition requests and forecasting at the Division level. He argues that forecasting ammunition will become much more difficult for sustainers in a LSCO environment. It’s not just about predicting how many rounds of ammunition will be needed, but rather understanding when they will be needed, and how best to distribute them across the units involved. He believes the answer to this multifaceted problem lies in understanding the phases of each operation and projecting the volume of fire (VOF).
The U.S. Army, Artificial Intelligence, and Mission Command
Benjamin Jensen and MG Jake S. Kwon
Photo courtesy of War on the Rocks.
This article explores the topic generating the most buzz in virtually every public and private sector: AI. The authors discuss how the U.S. Army is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into mission command to gain decision advantage in future multidomain operations. It emphasizes the importance of combining human judgment with data-driven insights, updating leader education, and developing data literacy to adapt to AI-enabled warfare by 2030.
Tactical UAS: Three-Tiered UAS Manning for Increased Lethality and Situational Awareness
CPT Charles J. O'hagan, 1LT Parker Mitchell, 1LT Noah Paffenroth, and 1LT Adam Hendrick
Soldier holding a Ghost-X. (Photo by SGT Charile Duke)
This article is penned by four junior officers advocating for a different approach to UAS planning and implementation. The group argues for a three-tiered approach to increase the lethality of UAS. This approach consists of creating an additional duty, dedicated positions, and a new military occupation specialty (MOS) to optimize the use of drones across the force. Similar to our previously mentioned AI article, these authors argue for a human-machine integrated approach.
Tough, Realistic Training Is a Form of Taking Care of Soldiers!
CSM LeVares J. Jackson Sr.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Luis Solorio)
Last, but certainly not least, CSM Jackson’s article emphasizes the importance of training like we fight. An age-old adage that always seems to ring true. CSM underscores preparing mentally and emotionally for war, an arena that many neglect. He also discusses the more traditional realms of preparation like physical conditioning and tactical expertise. In closing, he argues that “Tough, realistic training is indispensable when preparing Soldiers for the complexities of future warfare.”
We will see you next month for CSA’s Articles of May!