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The Arms of the Future: A Book Talk with Jack Watling

“The policy is a welcome leap forward by the U.S. military in how it conducts military operations,” Garlasco said, adding that it “will save civilian lives while creating better operational outcomes for the US military.” The guidance stipulates that for the first time, DOD will include outside information during operational planning and investigations, including from the press and non-governmental organizations. Until now, DOD has typically relied only on its own intelligence. The requirement to identify lead officers to coordinate efforts to reduce civilian harm ensures that the issue gets “sustained senior level attention,” Dan Stigall, DOD’s director for civilian harm mitigation and response policy, wrote in an article published Thursday. The new guidance also requires the Pentagon to begin developing, acquiring and fielding weapons to help reduce civilian harm, with a particular focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality.