Readying Military Medicine for AI-Enabled Warfare

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the character of warfare through autonomous systems, real-time data analytics, and algorithmic decision-making, creating new operational, ethical, and clinical challenges for military medicine. While modern battlefields become increasingly shaped by AI-enhanced targeting, autonomous weapons, and contested digital environments, current military medical education and doctrine have not evolved to address these developing threats. This commentary outlines the systemic vulnerabilities that limit military medicine's readiness for AI-enabled large-scale combat operations, including infrastructure gaps, data integrity challenges, cybersecurity threats, and a lack of doctrinal and educational alignment with the evolving battlespace. Drawing from recent conflicts and emerging technologies, we identify critical gaps in trauma training, medical logistics, and ethical preparedness and offers concrete recommendations for reform. Our education and training recommendations include embedding AI-focused scenarios into high-fidelity simulation exercises, training medical personnel in human-AI teaming, and emphasizing data stewardship as a key clinical competency. Through targeted curricular redesign, ethical education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, military medicine can adapt to the demands of AI-driven warfare and ensure operational readiness in future conflicts.

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