Watching the conflicts play out recently in the Ukraine and Iran, it is certain that there has been not only massive adoption in implementation of AI, sensor processing, sensor fusion, and autonomy but also massive advancement of those technologies in relatively short time periods compared to any other time in history. The leaders on the battlefield are those that have harnessed and deployed these technologies without delay in alignment to standards, timing, or bureaucracy in acquiring. Because the level and pace of technology today is so steep, those who fail to adopt and move with a sense of urgency run the risk of falling behind in a technology battle from which they may never have the time or ability to catch up.

Before starting college in 2022, I had considered artificial intelligence (AI) a thing of the future, something I wouldn’t see until I was later in my years. With the birth of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and the rise of machine learning systems, my world flipped on its head. Since joining the tech industry, I see I am not alone with this experience. From one year to the next, there is no telling what kind of technological developments we will bear witness to. When it comes to the defense and security of our nation, capitalizing on these advancements is paramount, lest we fall behind our adversaries. As a result, within the defense industry, marketers are required to become adaptable to the shifting needs of their company’s customers.