Ep 32: AI, Ethics, and Military Leadership: Navigating the Risks with Jason West

Today, we’re tackling the profound ethical dilemmas posed by AI in military decision-making. Kate vanderVoort sits down with Jason West, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than a decade of service. With first hand experience participating in AI-driven war simulations and understanding how autonomous systems could be used in modern warfare, Jason brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

Now the founder of Officers Eat Last and author of Leadership Development – A Blueprint for Building Your Leadership Foundation, Jason helps business leaders navigate ethical decision-making and responsible leadership — lessons drawn from both the battlefield and the boardroom.

From the risks of AI making life-and-death decisions to how businesses can use AI responsibly, this conversation will challenge how you think about AI, leadership, and accountability.

Tune in for a powerful discussion that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.

Key Highlights

🔎 Jason’s Dual Career Journey

• From finance to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jason shares how his military background shaped his views on leadership and ethics.
• Why he founded Officers Eat Last to help business leaders apply military leadership principles in the corporate world.

🤖 AI in Warfare: The Ethical Dilemma

• Jason explains the concept of "human in the loop" vs. "human on the loop" decision-making and how AI is influencing military operations.
• Insights from his participation in AI-driven war games, simulating futuristic combat scenarios.
• The chilling possibility of AI making autonomous life-and-death decisions, and the need for robust ethical frameworks to prevent misuse.

🛡️ Maintaining Human Accountability

• The risks of removing the human element from critical decision-making processes.
• Jason’s belief that any AI with the potential to take lives must be governed by human oversight and clear accountability.

🏢 Responsible AI in Business

• Drawing from military lessons, Jason offers guidance on how companies can integrate AI responsibly.
• The importance of ethical leadership in ensuring AI serves humanity rather than replacing its moral responsibilities.
• Why leaders must consider the long-term social impact of AI-driven decisions, not just immediate profitability.

🌍 Geopolitical Implications of AI

• How AI is fueling a modern-day technological arms race between nations.
• Jason's perspective on “peer competitors” and the role of AI in defense strategy.
• The importance of international collaboration and regulation to prevent the misuse of AI in warfare.

🔔 The Path Forward

• Jason’s optimism about AI’s potential when used responsibly.
• Why companies should focus on upskilling their workforce rather than simply replacing jobs with AI.
• The importance of governance and oversight to ensure AI remains aligned with human values.

Connect with Jason West

• Website: Officers Eat Last
• LinkedIn: Jason West on LinkedIn 

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