Lethal Autonomy

By now, most military leaders have heard about the development of autonomy in weapon systems and are aware of the vocal opposition from outside the DOD. Autonomy in weapon systems has been under development and controversial for many years. Now, however, robotics and autonomous systems have been highlighted by the DOD as a centerpiece of the third offset strategy. The DOD's push, along with recent technological developments, have triggered a broad and public discussion of concerns with lethal autonomous weapon systems, including direct opposition to their development. Understanding the intuitions being expressed, along with a willingness to be flexible where appropriate, will allow military and civilian leadership to guide the armed forces' development and employment of these and other weapon systems to ensure future warfare is conducted in a manner consistent with American values while still maintaining the technological advantages which are the backbone of the American way of war.