This study is an analysis of the evolution of artificial intelligence and expert computer systems in the U.S. Army and the role the Army should play in the future evolution of these technologies. This study investigates the Army's approach to the development and use of these computer systems. It will assess whether the Army should play a leadership or a follower role in the development of these systems. The Army's decision to either lead or follow in these technologies will have significant effects on the limited resources of tomorrow's smaller and less resourced force. This study will examine these issues given the trend in reduced fiscal resources and personnel. The civilian sector's development and use of these systems are evaluated to determine benefits to the Army through the use of these systems. The adaptability of these systems to various Army requirements are evaluated as are the near and far term costs of these systems. This study concludes that the U.S. Army should play a follower role in the future evolution of both expert computer systems and artificial intelligence. The Army should exploit current technologies and help guide the civilian community in the research and development of military applications.

ADA 255221 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)