U.S. Army Prioritizes AI-Enabled Command and Control for Pacific Multi-Domain Operations

The U.S. Army announced that AI-driven command and control, allied data interoperability, and faster decision-making are essential for multi-domain dominance in the Pacific. The message was delivered at the 2026 Land Forces Pacific Symposium in Honolulu on 12 May, where senior leaders stressed that AI will augment, not replace, commanders.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

The effort expands the Army’s shift from a linear kill chain to an AI-based “network kill web,” linking sensors, shooters, and command centers for rapid decisions. As part of this shift, the 25th Infantry Division (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii) and the 4th Infantry Division (Fort Carson, Colorado) are fielding the next-generation command and control system (NGC2). In April 2026, I Corps’ Operation Courage Lethality simulated a South-China-Sea battle across “thousands of miles,” using live data to test AI-enhanced coordination while minimizing digital footprints.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

Retired Lt. Gen. Neil Thurgood, former director of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, and Maj. Gen. Denise McPhail, commander of the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, led the briefing. Maj. Gen. Matthew Cogbill, commander of the 11th Airborne Division and U.S. Army Alaska, highlighted the need for a data-literate force. I Corps, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, coordinated the exercise with units in Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Oregon, Australia, and Idaho.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

Officials framed AI as a decision-aid that speeds command cycles and preserves modularity. They warned that adversaries already exploit AI to target civilian-sector vulnerabilities, stressing the need for resilient networks. Training programs are expanding to ensure soldiers can interpret AI-generated insights and act decisively.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

Leaders cautioned against over-reliance on AI, noting that critical thinking remains uniquely human. The surge of data raises concerns about overload and the need for a data-literate workforce; insufficient training could blunt AI’s benefits.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

• “Let’s be clear: artificial intelligence is not designed to replace the commander,” — Lt. Gen. Neil Thurgood, retired

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

• “It is designed to assist the commander in making better decisions and more timely decisions, with more data and information available,” — Lt. Gen. Neil Thurgood

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

• “All we can do is train the AI, but we have the ability to do the critical thinking, not the AI, so we can’t be over-reliant on it,” — Maj. Gen. Denise McPhail

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

• “You have to train everybody; we need a data-literate workforce,” — Maj. Gen. Matthew Cogbill

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific

McPhail promoted digital-twin simulations to spot network outages within hours. The Army will embed AI tools across more divisions, broaden data-literacy curricula, and conduct follow-up exercises through 2027 to refine AI-enabled command and control in contested Pacific environments.

U.S. Army highlights AI-enabled command and control as key to multi-domain operations in the Pacific