A U.S. Army general recently got folks talking when he said he’s been using an AI chatbot to help him make decisions. That raised a lot of eyebrows, especially since this general is in charge of thousands of troops in South Korea. His name is Major General William “Hank” Taylor, and during a recent Army conference, he said he’d grown “really close” with the chatbot — calling it “Chat.” Now, that might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s serious business when you’re talking about military leadership.
People were right to ask questions. After all, no machine, no matter how smart, should be calling the shots when it comes to our troops. The Army stepped in quickly to set the record straight. They made it clear that AI is not replacing human decision-making. Not now. Not ever. Major General Taylor may have been experimenting with AI tools, but he isn’t using them to make final decisions about missions or personnel. That’s still the job of trained commanders and their staff — as it should be.
The Army says what Taylor was really talking about is part of a bigger effort to modernize. They’re looking at how technology, including AI, might help leaders make better, faster, and smarter choices. But the key word here is “assist.” AI can help with things like gathering information, making plans, or running simulations — not making the actual decisions.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about turning over command to a robot. The Army confirmed that no chatbot or algorithm is going to be in charge of our forces. That’s not happening. Any use of AI is being done carefully, with a focus on security and trust. They’re only using AI tools that pass strict guidelines and don’t take away human control.
Now, there are some areas where AI is being tested. For example, the Army has tried out a system called EdgeRunner AI. This tool helps soldiers get mission details quickly, even when they’re offline. It’s been used in training at Fort Carson and Fort Riley. That kind of tech can be helpful in fast-moving situations where every second counts. But again, it’s just a tool — not a commander.
Major General Taylor has also been looking into how AI can help train leaders and improve how the Army operates. He’s been using Army-approved systems to see what works and what doesn’t. That’s what good leaders do — they explore new ways to stay ahead of the game. But Taylor doesn’t push any specific AI program, and he’s not telling anyone to rely on commercial tools like ChatGPT for serious decisions.
The Army’s message is simple: AI is here to support, not to lead. Commanders are still in charge, guided by Army rules, their own experience, and sound judgment. Just like always. AI might help them get more data or test out different ideas, but the final call stays with the humans who wear the uniform.
As a veteran, I can tell you this — there’s no substitute for boots-on-the-ground experience. No machine can match the instincts of a seasoned leader who’s been through the fire. Technology changes, but the values of leadership, responsibility, and accountability don’t. That’s what keeps our military strong.
So while it’s smart to explore new tools, we’ve got to be careful. AI can be a useful ally, but it should never be trusted to make life-or-death calls. That’s a line we can’t afford to cross. The Army seems to understand that, and it’s good to see they’re keeping the chain of command in human hands.
