Operationalizing Computational Tools for Analysis and Decision Support: Necessity, Capability, Possibility

October 2018 No Comments

“Operationalizing Computational Tools for Analysis and Decision Support: Necessity, Capability, Possibility”

Speaker: Pike, T. (USARMY Strategic Studies Institute)

Date: 25 October 2018

Speaker Session Preview

SMA hosted a speaker session presented by LTC Tom Pike (US Army Strategic Studies Institute) as a part of its SMA General Speaker Series. After summarizing his main conclusions, LTC Pike discussed the “magnificent trinity” (AKA the “three-body problem”), as well as Carl von Clausewitz’s principle that war is a nonreducible, interdependent system. He then highlighted the lessons learned from and the implications of two computational systems: the Lorenz Attractor and the Anasazi in Long House Valley. He also emphasized the utility of artificial intelligence; stressed that the Department of Defense should start utilizing “unexploited” computational tools, such as Python 2; and recommended that US armed forces leaders start teaching its service members how to code. To conclude his presentation, LTC Pike stated that understanding unique complex systems is necessary, and stressing that we must utilize our rich ecosystem of tools and a variety of “unexploited” advances to progress. He also suggested that the US build its ecosystem and expand its “kitbag,” which includes situational awareness and ways to test understanding / support decisions.