Running Head: TRENDS IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 1

Trends in Digital Technology

Michael W. Kehs

UMUC

MGMT 630 9042 Organizational Theory

Trends in Digital Technology

Two of the most often cited technology trends are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and

the implementation of fifth generation (5G) wireless. These technologies are gradually being

implemented in the military and may have a substantial impact on the way the military operates.

Military leaders need to be prepared to incorporate these changes sooner than later. The intent of

this essay is to describe these technologies and to provide leaders with advice on how to ensure

AI and 5G are successfully implemented in their formations.

Digital Trends: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Fifth Generation (5G) Wireless

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has found its footing in industry over the last few years.

According to The AI Advantage companies go through three stages when implementing AI into

their organizations. The first is assisted intelligence, whereby companies become more reliant

upon automated systems to improve what people are already doing. The next stage is augmented

intelligence. At this stage, computerized analytics are incorporated into existing information

management systems in order to do analysis that humans cannot. Autonomous intelligence is the

third stage, where computers and automated systems make decisions for the organization based

upon input those systems gather themselves (Davenport, 2019, p. 142).

AI and machine learning allows complex data to be analyzed in “a fraction of the time it

used to take just two years ago” (Newman, 2019). This is mainly because data analysis has

improved dramatically due to AI algorithms for learning. According to Trevor English, within

the “next decade, we’ll likely start seeing AIs that don’t need any human intervention to learn

and grow smarter” (English, 2019).

Fifth Generation (5G) wireless capabilities are also a trend worth noting. Sascha Segan

states that “5G brings three new aspects to the table: greater speed (to move more data), lower
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latency (to be more responsive), and the ability to connect a lot more devices at once (for sensors

and smart devices)” (Segan, 2019). 5G has other applications aside from providing faster

broadband speeds and more reliable mobile networks. According to Daniel Newman, “the

proliferation of 5G will also accelerate advancements in smart city, smart vehicle, smart

manufacturing” (Newman, 2019).

Twelve cities were provided 5G by AT&T on December 21, 2018. Sprint provide it in

four cities at the end of May. They also added Chicago in July, and Los Angeles, New York,

Phoenix, and Washington DC in August (Segan, 2019). Implementing 5G worldwide means

higher broadband speeds and more reliable networks. The high speeds of 5G will allow easy

implementation into driverless cars and smart-cities. Trevor English states that “5G networks

don’t just mean your phone will get faster …it means everything will get faster” (English, 2019)

Observation of Trends in the Military

There is a significant relationship between military technology and military tactics.

Military advances ranging from trebuchets to nuclear weapons have transformed warfare since

prehistoric man created the bow and arrow. I have seen the US military is rapidly implementing

new technologies to keep up with capabilities in threats. We no longer fight linear battles with

one side facing off against another. The modern battlefield includes intangible elements such as

cyberspace. Soldiers like myself are reliant upon the most recent technologies to be successful in

this new battleground.

Implementing AI in a military capacity is a realistic endeavor. The military began

research into AI as early as the 1960s at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

(DARPA.) Their early research is in use today in voice recognition and software that recognizes

credit card fraud. The military currently uses AI systems in non-combat roles. For instance, the
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Dynamic Analysis and Replanning Tool (DART), is an AI system. It was utilized in Desert

Storm and Desert Shield to assist in planning missions. Additionally, training simulators are

being developed that rely upon AI.

AI is slow to be incorporated in combat roles. There are ethical concerns about having

AI warriors. There is a human factor in warfare that ensures certain tenants of warfare are

maintained. Primarily the concern is whether or not AI can distinguish friend or foe. The other

concern is if AI can discern the needed amount of force to complete a mission. The military calls

this proportionality. The current technology already exposes ethical dilemmas. For instance,

whether drones and robotic systems should be designed to use lethal force against targets without

direct human involvement. At present, these machines are faster and more accurate than humans

but are prone to make judgement errors without human input to aid in decisions. As more

systems utilize AI these issues may compound and lead to systems which create their own

motives that do not align with human intentions.

Incorporating 5G networks into military operations is another emerging trend. This past

summer the Department of Defense (DOD) issued a five year digital modernization strategy.

Part of that strategy is becoming an early adopter of 5G technologies. It was recommended to

start implementation prior to the end of this year. This push is to ensure that we can get ahead of

our near-peer potential adversaries. If a large super power implements and controls 5G

networks, it could force the US military to rely on slower networking systems and put us at

significant risk.

Military applications of 5G technologies are incalculable. They will allow for current

and future systems to have faster response times and wider bandwidths. This will allow for

extremely fast data transmission and receipt of images and battlefield situations. There are
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concerns with the technology however. Several factors may limit the use of 5G communications

systems. Terrain features such as mountains will reduce the effectiveness as well as attenuation

created by rainfall or other weather systems. These obstacles exist today but we utilize older

technology to overcome this. As future technologies are incorporated that are not compatible

with the older systems, there could be a significant impact on capability.

Advice to Managers

AI and 5G are rapidly being incorporated into the modern military. Leaders need to be

prepared to implement these systems in their units. It is my opinion that properly training

Soldiers is the key to success. Leaders need to adjust their training schedules to familiarize

Soldiers with the latest technologies. This is something that needs to be done now, as the latest

systems are already being implemented.

Fortunately, individuals who are of recruiting age have grown up with the rapidly

increasing technology advances. I believe it is imperative that leaders work with recruiters to

ensure that young tech savvy individuals are brought into the ranks. Leaders may even utilize the

topic systems. According to Stephen Upstone, “AI can spot relationships between variables that

a human analyst just can’t.” (Scott, 2019). Finding the correct new recruits will allow leaders to

focus on training more seasoned Soldiers who are only familiar with the antiquated systems.

Leaders must also be prepared to do more with less. As systems become faster and more

autonomous, the number of Soldiers assigned to units is sure to decrease. I think this challenge

can be overcome by prioritizing what systems need to have manpower dedicated to them and

which can be left to operate independently. This prioritization will allow leaders to focus on

what Amy Macleod calls “human skills like critical thinking, communication, ability to build

consensus and to develop policy” (Scott, 2019).

Conclusion

Leaders in all levels of the military must be prepared to implement AI and 5G

technologies. In this essay, AI and 5G are identified as technological trends which can be

observed as having impact on the military. Potential advantages such as faster communications

and transfer of larger data were noted. There are also drawbacks such as the ethical dilemma of

utilizing AI in combat roles. Ultimately leaders are advised to utilize new technologies to recruit

the proper individuals and train current Soldiers to properly implement the new technologies.

With good leadership and training guidance, AI and 5G will ensure success for the military in the

near future.
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References

Davenport, T. (2019). Ai Advantage: how to put the artificial intelligence revolution to work.

S.l.: MIT Press.

English, T. (2019). 6 Technology Trends to Watch in 2020. Retrieved from

https://interestingengineering.com/6-technology-trends-to-watch-in-2020

Newman, D. (2019). Top 10 Digital Transformation Trends for 2020. Retrieved from

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielnewman/2019/07/14/top-10-digital-transformation-

trends-for-2020/#7e79866576be

Fleishman Hillard Inc. (2019). Tech Trends 2019 the fads, the fears, the future. Saint Louis, MO:

Sophie Scott.

Segan, S. (2019). What is 5G? PC Magazine, August. Retrieved from

https://www.pcmag.com/article/345387/what-is-5g