AI Decisions and the OODA Loop

The provided sources explore the evolving landscape of military and corporate decision-making, emphasizing the tension between centralized control and decentralized autonomy. They trace the history of Mission Command, a philosophy rooted in the Prussian tradition that empowers subordinates to take initiative based on a superior’s intent rather than rigid orders. Contemporary analysis suggests that artificial intelligence is drastically altering this dynamic by accelerating the OODA loop, offering unprecedented data processing speeds while simultaneously threatening human autonomy through automation bias and skill degradation. Projects like Project Maven demonstrate the practical application of AI in identifying targets, yet scholars warn that over-reliance on algorithms can lead to inauthentic value shifts and a loss of critical thinking. Ultimately, the texts argue for a hybrid model where technology serves as a support tool, ensuring that human leaders maintain ethical accountability and the ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of conflict.