Episode 17: Military intelligence and operations - It’s All About Scale

Military intelligence and operations - It’s All About Scale

Guests: Air Marshal Philip Osborn and Air Marshal Edward Stringer

The US Air Force was an early sponsor of AI research back in the 1960s, and the Royal Air Force is an active developer and deployer of AI technology today.

In this episode we will explore military thinking about how to responsibly use AI.  One of our guests has said, “data is the new oil,” and expresses concern about the tainting of our data by our adversaries.

Intelligence has always been about dredging through vast pools of dull bureaucratic documents, seeking to make sense of them.  We hope to discuss with our guests the Royal Air Force’s use of AI in intelligence and in operations.

In this episode we have two guests from the most senior ranks of the Royal Air force, Air Marshals Philip Osborn and Edward Stringer.  Both men joined the UK’s Royal Air Force in 1982.  Air Marshal Stringer served 36 years until 2018; and Air Marshal Obsorn served 37 years until 2019.

Air Marshal Edward Jackson Stringer’s overseas operational commands included service in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans.  As Air Marshal he led the Defence Academy and Joint Force Development and Joint Forces Command, where he was responsible for advancement of the operational effectiveness of the current and future joint force of the UK.

Air Marshal Philip Osborn’s overseas deployments included Germany and Turkey.  His staff tours all had a capability focus with responsibilities for combat air, carrier strike, land forces engagement, weapons, and joint enabling capabilities.  In 2015, he was named Chief of Defence Intelligence with the rank of Air Marshal.

Recorded: 2023-06-19