The Australian Army faces a rapidly evolving battlefield shaped by the introduction of advanced technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber capabilities. This shift requires the Army to balance innovation with a commitment to *humanism* – the belief in the intrinsic worth, dignity, and moral agency of each individual. In the military context, humanism emphasises ethical standards, empathy, and respect for human life, even in combat. This principle ensures that technological advancements serve, rather than overshadow, the Army’s core values.

The Army’s “Contribution to the National Defence Strategy 2024” underscores the need to leverage advanced technologies while still preserving the essential role of soldiers in ethical decision-making. Adapting to the modern character of war involves integrating these technologies responsibly, with human oversight to prevent the dehumanising potential of autonomous systems and ensure a humane approach in high-tech warfare environments.

The Role of Technology in Modern Warfare

Modern warfare increasingly relies on autonomous systems, AI, and cyber capabilities which offer benefits like greater precision and reduced risk to personnel. However, these advancements present ethical challenges. Without human oversight, they could lead to unintended consequences, such as indiscriminate use of force or misidentification of targets. Stories of technology-dominated futures, like the ethically blind autonomous drones in Black Mirror episode “Metal”, serve as a reminder of what can go wrong when technology operates without empathy or judgment.

To mitigate these risks, the Australian Army must keep technology as a tool in the hands of trained and ethical soldiers. While autonomous systems are invaluable for intelligence and operational support, they require the ethical oversight of soldiers who can assess each situation’s context and apply moral considerations that technology alone cannot.

The Importance of Maintaining Humanism in Warfare

Humanism in warfare ensures that soldiers and civilians alike are recognized for their dignity, rights, and values. This approach is crucial for several reasons:

1. Ethical Conduct: Soldiers are trained in the rules of engagement and international laws of conflict – frameworks AI could potentially lack. Human oversight is vital in decisions involving lethal force to ensure these principles are followed.
2. Public Trust and Legitimacy: A military that upholds humanistic values garners public trust, differentiating it from adversaries who may use technology with fewer ethical constraints. Public support is crucial for the Army’s legitimacy, both domestically and internationally.
3. Psychological Impact on Soldiers: Operating alongside technology in warfare can distance soldiers from the moral implications of their actions. Maintaining a humanistic approach helps soldiers stay connected to the ethical and physical impact of their actions, preserving empathy and responsibility amid the complexity of modern warfare.

The Risks of Facing an Unsentimental Adversary

While humanism brings clear advantages, it can also be perceived as a vulnerability when facing adversaries who disregard ethical constraints. Adversaries might exploit perceived ethical "soft spots," using tactics that disregard civilian life or manipulate psychological warfare without restraint.

The “Contribution to the National Defence Strategy 2024” emphasises preparing soldiers to face such adversaries, ensuring that humanism remains a strength rather than a limitation. Army needs to train soldier to anticipate and counteract ruthless tactics, maintaining human oversight and moral integrity when facing unsentimental foes.

Real-World Example: The Humanitarian Use of Drones in Ukraine

In May 2023, a significant incident during the Ukraine conflict highlighted the humane potential of technology. A Russian soldier, isolated and under threat, surrendered to a Ukrainian-operated drone near Bakhmut. The human-operated drone directed the soldier to safety, demonstrating a humanitarian application of technology in warfare. Had this drone been controlled solely by AI, the situation could have ended differently, prioritising efficiency over the humane option of surrender.

For the Australian Army, this incident underscores the importance of human involvement in technology, especially where ethical choices can influence outcomes. Retaining human control over autonomous systems helps ensure that advanced technologies align with the Army’s values.

The Role of the Soldier in a Technologically Advanced Army

The Australian Army’s strategy emphasises the irreplaceable qualities soldiers bring to warfare – adaptability, professionalism, and ethical decision-making in high-stakes scenarios. While technology provides powerful tools, human judgment remains essential in complex situations.

1. Human Judgment in Complex Scenarios: Soldiers are trained to navigate ethical complexities that technology alone cannot address. Human oversight allows for nuanced decision-making, especially in situations with potential ethical conflicts and wider ranging consequences.
2. Interpersonal Interactions and Relationship Building: Beyond combat, soldiers play roles in fostering relationships with civilians and allies. Human interactions build trust and cooperation, essential for mission success and beyond the capacity of machines.
3. Adaptability and Initiative: Humans possess unmatched creativity and adaptability. The Army values soldiers’ ability to improvise and act compassionately in unpredictable scenarios, serving as a safeguard against over-reliance on technology.
4. Ethical Oversight of Autonomous Systems: Army should recognise that autonomous technologies must be deployed under human supervision. This oversight ensures that ethical standards are upheld and human accountability remains central.

Integrating Technology with Human-Centric Approaches

The Australian Army’s strategy acknowledges that technology should enhance, not replace, human judgment. Key strategies for responsible integration might include:

1. Human-Machine Teaming: Drones and autonomous systems provide intelligence but remain under human oversight. This approach allows for informed, ethical decisions – ensuring that technology supports human values.
2. Augmented Decision-Making: AI offers valuable insights, but human soldiers retain final authority, reinforcing a balance where technology supports, rather than overrides, human judgment.
3. Training in Ethical Use of Technology: Soldiers receive training in both technical proficiency and ethical responsibility, ensuring they remain grounded in humanistic values while using advanced technology.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Human-Centered Future

The ongoing challenge for the Australian Army will be to harness the advantages of technology responsibly, preserving human oversight and ethical integrity. The Ukrainian drone incident, where a Russian soldier safely surrendered, illustrates the potential for technology to support humane values when humans are involved in critical decision-making. However, this example and other real-world scenarios remind us of the risks of removing human oversight, which could lead to ethically compromised outcomes.

To adapt to the changing character of war, the Australian Army must integrate advanced technologies thoughtfully, ensuring the human element remains central to operations. By advancing technology alongside a commitment to humanism, the Army can sustain its role as a humane and ethical force, prepared for the complexities of modern warfare while grounded in values and principles that uphold public trust and moral responsibility.