U.S. military needs to modernize, embrace robotics and AI, Gen. Milley says

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a packed National Press Club Luncheon audience June 30 that the United States must accelerate military modernization to be able to utilize robotics and artificial intelligence in the next 10 to 15 years.

The soon-to-retire four-star general said the two technologies will get heavy emphasis in a “joint warfighting concept” that the Pentagon will finalize next month and that will include plans, incorporating each of the nation’s military services, to maintain overwhelming U.S. military superiority to deter any future large-scale war.

The nation's top soldier, acknowledging luncheon attendee Oksana Markarova, Ukraine ambassador to the U.S., also said "our political leadership is committed" to backing Ukraine against a Russian invasion that broke the post World War II rules-based international order. 

Victory in Ukraine will come when that country is free, independent and territorially united, Milley said.  Although he said Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia's invasion is "going slower than predicted," it is advancing through minefields and trenches in what is a "very bloody" operation.  He commended the "remarkable bravery" of Ukrainian soldiers and said the Biden Administration is constantly reviewing the kind of weapons it should provide, including long-range missiles and advanced jet fighters.

Milley, who will retire Sept. 30 after 44 years in the Army, said it is "too early to tell" if Russian President Vladimer Putin has been permanently weakened by a short-lived rebellion of Wagner Group mercenaries.  He described Putin as "vicious" and guilty of war crimes in attacking civilian targets.  Milley called Wagner mercenaries "ruthless" but said their lack of military skill made them "cannon fodder" in Ukraine.

The general said the character of war is going through a revolutionary change driven by technology and that the U.S. must maintain a significant edge to minimize the probability of a major war.  He cited the need for small forces in constant motion to survive attacks. 

While China's President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to take over Taiwan by 2027, Milley said such a move could be deterred by adequate defenses.  He said Xi "has not been ambiguous" about his country's goal of dominating the Pacific in 10 years and becoming the world's leading power by mid-century. 

Milley said he has been too busy to decide what he will do in retirement,  but insisted it will not include seeking public office. "I'm a soldier, not a politician," he said.

He opened his speech by recounting the carnage of World Wars I and II and the need for a strong defense to avoid another "global slaughterhouse."  He praised the joint sacrifices of American journalists and soldiers in combat and in defending the U.S. Constitution.