Operational Art In The Digital Age

Beyond their socio-economic implications, disruptive technologies influence all instruments of state power, especially the military. Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and autonomous systems are transforming traditional ways of thinking, leadership concepts, and processes, necessitating new approaches to prepare military decision-makers at all levels of command for a complex, technology-driven environment. This article explores how these technologies are reshaping military decision-making and outlines why adapting education and processes is critical to maintaining operational effectiveness in future conflicts. In most Western armed forces, the operational level of command serves as an interface between the tactical and military-strategic levels. It enables the translation of strategic objectives into tactical actions. In addition to its vertically hierarchical role, the operational level also performs a horizontal interface function with other state and non-state actors. These environmental systems (System of Systems), involving a wide range of actors, increase the complexity of the operational level of command.