Harnessing AI and Data Analytics for Mobility Operations
By Mrs. Lauren Fosnot, Staff Writer
The Mobility Forum spoke with Donald Anderson, Director of Analyses for Headquarters (HQ) Air Mobility Command (AMC), to learn more about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing military operations. Within AMC, the technologies are being used to enable faster decision-making and more effective mission planning. According to Anderson, this is just the beginning—he says the possibilities that AI can unlock are endless.
AI in Action
One of the major uses of AI currently is for data collection and processing, Anderson shared. “It allows us to consolidate data and give it to leadership in a format they can digest,” he said. A good example of this capability was the role of AI in Mobility Guardian 23. During this multinational mobility exercise, AMC leveraged AI to process vast amounts of data collected from more than 120 observers spread across the Pacific, resulting in more than six hundred observations and forty-five after-action reports. After-action reports traditionally required weeks of analysis, but AI now identifies trends and key observations in near real time. As Anderson explained, this shift allows leadership to make informed decisions on the spot, ensuring that lessons learned are immediately applicable to ongoing and future operations.
The ability to rapidly consolidate and analyze data is critical in an era in which information flow is rapidly increasing. By implementing these AI-driven quick-look reports, AMC can highlight emerging issues significantly faster than it would take dozens of Airmen. This technology supports commanders by quickly pinpointing patterns, allowing for a more proactive approach to operations.
Tactical Strategies
While AI is enhancing real-time operations, it is also being used to refine tactical strategies. AMC has been integrating AI into war-gaming exercises using a modified version of Command Professional Edition. This software, adapted by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), enables highly realistic scenario planning. In these simulations, planners can assess different tactical responses, from aircraft diversion strategies to adversarial engagement decisions, all in a controlled environment.
Transforming Knowledge Retention
In the past, collecting and applying lessons learned from exercises and real-world operations was a manual process that often relied on limited crew participation. AMC is now using AI-driven scrapers to extract key insights from operational communications, minimizing the burden on airmen while ensuring that critical information is retained and disseminated efficiently. By integrating AI into the lessons learned process, AMC can better identify recurring issues and distribute actionable insights to crews before they deploy. This shift transforms lessons learned from static documents into dynamic, accessible intelligence that actively informs future missions.
The Future of AI in Mobility Operations
AMC is continuing to push the boundaries of AI integration. A recent agreement grants AFRL access to IBM’s Quantum Computing Center, opening the door for even more advanced AI applications. However, with these advancements come challenges. One of the biggest risks is ensuring that AI-generated data remain reliable. Misinformation, AI hallucinations, and overreliance on automated solutions are concerns that AMC is actively addressing. Anderson emphasized the importance of maintaining human oversight, shifting the conversation from AI to augmented intelligence, where AI serves as a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment.
As the Director of Analyses for HQ AMC, Anderson looks forward to watching AI and data analytics continue to evolve. He also encourages Airmen to access the data tools currently available, such as the Data 101 and Lessons Learned platforms, which are A9 and Chief Data Office channels. These tools help Airmen analyze trends and improve safety. The real impact comes from Airmen leveraging today’s and tomorrow’s tools to make mobility operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.