{"id":11749,"date":"2026-05-24T08:59:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T08:59:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sawahsolutions.com\/range\/smaller-easier-smarter-what-special-operations-forces-need-from-ai-now\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T08:59:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T08:59:08","slug":"smaller-easier-smarter-what-special-operations-forces-need-from-ai-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sawahsolutions.com\/range\/smaller-easier-smarter-what-special-operations-forces-need-from-ai-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Smaller, easier, smarter: what special operations forces need from AI, now"},"content":{"rendered":"
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TAMPA, Florida\u2014<\/strong>U.S. special operators want AI tools that offer the power of giant data centers out on the disconnected front lines.<\/p>\n

SOF units already use generative AI \u201cheavily\u201d for things like resource allocation and force deployment, and are \u201cdelving\u201d into its use for tactical operations, said Rob McClintock, the program manager for intelligence for the program executive office for digital applications.<\/p>\n

But today\u2019s tools typically run in the cloud, connected to massive data centers. Operators need them to work in remote locations beyond reach of networks. Physical proximity to the \u201ctactical edge\u201d enables faster use of mission-critical data and faster decision-making, officials at the Global SOF Foundation\u2019s SOF Week event here said this week.<\/p>\n

So Special Operations Command is looking for frameworks that extend the power of cloud computing much closer to where data is collected and used\u2014a concept sometimes called \u201cfog computing.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

They\u2019re also looking for versions of large language models that require less computing power while still understanding human intent with less instruction.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that conversation about managing the cognitive load on operators, voice command is a logical step,\u201d said Col. Robert \u201cRamsey\u201d Oliver, PEO of SOCOM\u2019s SOF Warrior.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s biggest consumer-facing tech and AI companies don\u2019t build products for niche tactical needs. Melissa Johnson, SOCOM\u2019s acquisition executive, said the solution will likely emerge from smaller startups.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom an acquisition perspective, we’re not just limited to the bigger companies with their own mindset, because AI is very dynamic,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cSometimes the smaller organizations, smaller businesses bring those solution sets.\u201d<\/p>\n

The most desirable feature of any AI tool for SOCOM is simply making it easier for operators to do what they already do. For example, getting different types of drones to work together, or planning and carrying out missions with just a few spoken or even gestured commands, said Lt. Col. Aaron Davidson, the program manager for the unmanned systems autonomy and Interoperability portfolio.<\/p>\n

McClintock said they\u2019re also looking into AI \u201cagents\u201d that can plan, revise and execute strategies.\n\n<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/div>\n