Top U.S. Army General Admits to Using ChatGPT to Assist in Key Command Decisions
A top U.S. Army general is turning to artificial intelligence to help guide his leadership decisions. Maj. Gen. William “Hank” Taylor, who commands the Eighth Army in South Korea, told reporters at the Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, D.C., that he has been using ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, to assist him in thinking through key command and personal decisions.
“Chat and I have become really close lately,” Taylor said during the media session, though he did not give specific examples of personal use. According to Business Insider, he explained that AI is helping him explore ways to make better decisions for managing thousands of troops.
“As a commander, I want to make better decisions. I want to make sure that I make decisions at the right time to give me the advantage,” he added.
Taylor also serves as chief of staff for the United Nations Command in South Korea. He sees AI as a tool to help create analytical models and train staff to think more efficiently. While he emphasized that AI is not being used in combat situations, it is assisting with daily leadership tasks.
The U.S. military has been actively exploring artificial intelligence for a range of operations, from logistics and intelligence analysis to battlefield strategy. AI systems could process data faster and provide more precise insights, though officials warn that relying on these tools comes with risks, including faulty conclusions or security leaks.
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall previously noted that advances in autonomous weapons are shortening response times in combat, and commanders who cannot adapt may struggle in future conflicts.
AI has already been tested in exercises, including Air Force experiments where algorithms piloted aircraft in simulated dogfights. Other programs help manage satellite data, streamline administrative work, and reduce cognitive burdens for Special Operations Forces by analyzing intelligence and drafting reports.
The Pentagon encourages caution when using generative AI. Officials note that incomplete or manipulated data could lead to incorrect decisions, highlighting the need for human oversight in critical military operations.
The use of ChatGPT by a high-ranking general illustrates how AI is starting to influence decision-making at the top levels of the military. It raises questions about how far AI can be integrated into leadership roles without replacing human judgment. What do you think about the military using AI in this way? Share your thoughts in the comments.
