By Matt Domo
Renaming the Department of Defense to Department of War (DoW) signaled a declaration of intent, but the publication of its AI Acceleration Strategy marks action. Despite many years of effort to accelerate, much of military intelligence and derivative operations lags. The Observe-Orient-Decide phase of the OODA loop (Act being the last step) has just been too slow. The real strength of AI lies in foresight, not just reflection. Data now serves as the fuel for predictive insights, enabling us to anticipate future developments rather than review what has already happened.
The United States Space Force (USSF), born in the digital era, has the opportunity to lead this technological revolution. Unlike traditional domains like land or sea, where strategy relies on mass, space starts with data velocity, speed, and accuracy, and speed determines victory. However, merely acquiring software with “AI add-ons” to accelerate old methods is a mistake. DoW needs to implement intelligent technologies in their intended, native, and predictive ways. To succeed, it must close the most dangerous gap in modern warfare: the space between deciding and doing.
The AI Acceleration Strategy emphasizes “Pace-Setting Projects” and “SWAT teams” to overcome bureaucratic inertia. Unlike other branches that have to digitize analog systems, the USSF already operates within the electromagnetic spectrum and data environment. It doesn’t need to retrofit tanks; it needs to unleash code. Still, “integrate AI” isn’t an excuse to preserve outdated processes; it must leverage these intelligent technologies effectively to forecast threats and automate responses even before a human intervenes. Establishing clear metrics for AI success, such as response times, threat detection accuracy, and decision cycle reductions, will help track progress and build confidence among stakeholders.
The biggest obstacle to success in both business and warfare isn’t strategy itself but the gap between deciding and acting. In today’s world of AI, real-time data, and continuous disruption, speed means more than quicker movement; it’s about collapsing the friction between intention and execution.
The leaders who thrive are synchronized: they see, then act. Test…fail…adjust quickly. That is operational clarity. But the government often struggles to achieve this alone because its default state is deliberation rather than iteration. In a world moving this fast, clarity is the real advantage.
Critics might say that moving so quickly is risky, citing worries about “hallucinating” models or the absence of established guidelines. These concerns are valid, and responsible use is essential. However, the biggest threat isn’t an imperfect algorithm, but the total defeat that inaction brings. The Space Force must avoid letting fear of software bugs delay progress while adversaries operationalize AI to undermine our orbital infrastructure.
Spacepower is the invisible backbone of national security. If the Space Force fails to integrate AI and loses the orbital domain, the entire Department of War is at risk. By treating data as fuel and shortening the cycle from insight to action, it ensures that American values shape the future of the final frontier.
This is where the Space Force Association proves vital. We are the conduit between warfighter needs and industry capabilities. The SFA does more than host mixers; we assist the Space Force in navigating the new ‘barrier-free’ pathways envisioned by the War Department. SFA aligns strategic requirements with innovative industry solutions, ensuring the USSF is prepared to respond quickly and decisively. The Association acts as the essential link that allows the USSF to shape the future and act promptly with clarity and confidence
Secretary Hegseth has provided us with the map; now it’s our turn to drive the vehicle. The AI Acceleration Strategy frees us from the limitations of the old mindset. While the Space Force is best positioned to lead this effort, we must resist the comfort of merely improving old ideas and instead embrace the challenge of real transformation.
We cannot wait for another memo. Industry partners, bring your predictive engines to us. Guardians, leverage the new authorities to approve decisions quickly and say “yes” to speed.
Matt Domo is SFA’s Board Chairman and author of the forthcoming book “Everybody Wins: The Business Leader’s Mission Possible Guide to AI Success“.
