Warfare at the Speed of Thought: Balancing AI and Critical Thinking for the Military Leaders of Tomorrow
Amanda Collazzo | 02.21.25
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is transforming how individuals acquire, process, and apply knowledge, enabling faster decision-making and policy development. AI-driven technologies enhance personalized learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, particularly within strategic decision-making; however, it is crucial to address concerns of overreliance, overuse, diminished critical thinking skills, and ethical implications. AI should be the sidekick, not the superhero—sharp minds lead machines, not follow them. By evaluating the impact of generative AI on learning, we can identify both the advantages and challenges that technological advancements present for our future military leaders. We must define the balance between independent thought, creativity, and the integration of AI to help shape AI’s long-term role in developing leaders and enhancing decision-making for effective military operations.
Mortimer Adler once said that learning is “an interior transformation of a person’s mind and character, a transformation which can be effected only through his own activity.” This understanding emphasizes the idea that genuine learning is not a passive process—it requires deep engagement, critical thinking, and personal effort. In an era increasingly dominated by AI and digital tools, there is a growing concern that learners may become overly reliant on technology and decrease their intellectual capacity. When an individual’s cognitive engagement is primarily directed toward navigating a computer program—whether an AI-driven tutor, an adaptive learning platform, or a search engine—it is easy to mistake memorization for true understanding. The rapid availability of answers at one’s fingertips may create an illusion of proficiency when, in reality, the knowledge has not been fully internalized or critically understood.
AI makes it incredibly easy to avoid having to think. It can generate answers, construct briefs, draft outlines, and even assist in policy creation; however, AI is limited by its training data, relying solely on learned patterns rather than true reasoning. Once you experience the ability to no longer think, it becomes addicting, and an easier alternative than spending time in critical thought. The more that individuals depend on computers to do their thinking, the less they truly learn. Taking the easy route is tempting—after all, as Adler also noted, learning is painful. Humans naturally seek ways to conserve effort, reduce stress, and minimize energy expenditure—taking the path of least resistance. However, if we consistently choose convenience over critical thinking, we risk losing one of our most defining traits, one that sets us apart from other mammals—the ability to reason and make decisions.
https://mwi.westpoint.edu/warfare-at-the-speed-of-thought-balancing-ai-and-critical-thinking-for-the-military-leaders-of-tomorrow/
