Humans are more important that Hardware
One SOF tenant to rule them all
A popular tenet in numerous fields, including the military, is that "people are more important than hardware." According to this theory, humans are always the most important and valuable resource, not machinery or technology.
This idea can be used in various non-military contexts, such as commercial and organizational management and interpersonal relationships. For instance, this idea can imply that in a professional setting, people are valued more than the tools or technology they utilize or that spending money on employee training and development programs is more important than spending those funds on gear or software.
Armchair Sniper is not living in the past and recognized the importance of technology in the next fight. We are, however, suggesting that humans and their wants, interests, and well-being should always be at the forefront of any decision-making process, according to the idea that "humans are more important than hardware." Humans can use technology to achieve feats not previously capable, and certain technology can help make our lives significantly easier. But with that we have recognized an over-reliance on the technology to achieve the missions which can be a dangerous line to straddle
Technology should make you faster, not more proficient.
Think about the pop-culture character Macgyver; if he were to run his pockets, you would typically see one flattened roll of duct tape, one swiss army knife, paperclips, a couple of matches, and possibly a flashlight. That’s because MacGyver was chosen because of his ability to apply his extensive understanding of the physical sciences to develop novel solutions to perplexing issues using just the materials at hand. The hard truth is not everyone can be the modern version of Macgyver. In this case: his brain is the most valuable component in the bag of tricks. Not one of MacGyver’s iterations fails to accomplish his mission because of a scarcity of specific gadgets.
This is the culture that should be fostered and the type of people drawn to the community.
People, not machinery, are what matter. With a shortage of available equipment, the task will be completed by the proper personnel who are well-trained and cooperative. However, the best tools in the world cannot make up for a deficit of the proper people. Even with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this mentality holds firm. Take the Marines that defeated human-sensing AI. Technology runs off parameters established by code: even with Machine Learning, these parameters are subject to biases that take additional coding to overwrite. They do not have to capacity to “think outside the box.”.
Lately, It has been observed that a very vocal portion of the military, especially those in the reconnaissance community, are advocating for material fixes to many (if not all) of the problems plaguing the community.
Because of the growing importance of technology in today's militaries, the adage "Technology should make you faster, not more proficient" rings especially true. Whilst drones, AI, and other kinds of cutting-edge technology can greatly assist the military, it is essential to remember that these tools should supplement rather than replace the expertise and experience of human soldiers.
Drones, for instance, can be used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, but it takes human analysts to decipher the results and make sound decisions. While sophisticated weaponry can aid troops in accomplishing their goals, it is ultimately up to human commanders to ensure that collateral damage is kept to a minimum and civilians are shielded from harm.
The use of technology in military training and development is just as important as its use in assisting actual military operations. Technology, like as computer simulations and cutting-edge training gear, can give soldiers a leg up in being ready for any number of potential battlefield situations and problems. Nonetheless, human trainers and mentors are still necessary since they can offer vital direction, feedback, and emotional support.
Quotes like "Technology should make you faster, not more proficient" serve as a reminder that technology is most useful when combined with the training and experience of human soldiers. We can build a more efficient, effective, and moral military by fusing the best of technology with the skills of human warriors. But this future military will still require humans for innovation and mentoring.
Even in a world with AI that can pass the “Turing Test, " human interactions still push us to accomplish the mission.
Though advances in AI and machine learning have been substantial, we still need human input to succeed. Building machines that can perform complex calculations or pass the Turing test is insufficient. To ensure that these computers produce good results for humanity, we need the creative, intuitive, and empathetic human mind to steer them.
The decision-making process is one area where the human element stands out. While machines can help us gain data-driven insights, applying those findings to advance our values and goals still takes human judgment. In healthcare, for instance, AI can analyze patient data to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses. However, it is still the doctor's responsibility to determine the best course of treatment for each patient. The best judgments consider the needs of all parties involved, and that's where humans and machines may work together to achieve that goal. For this reason, the human component is crucial in the learning and development portion of our job.
Although valuable tools in training and development, hardware and technology cannot fully replace the importance of human interaction and guidance. Machines can provide access to vast amounts of information; it still takes human teachers and mentors to help us understand and apply that knowledge in a meaningful way. Human teachers can provide personalized feedback, answer questions, and offer emotional support, which is essential in the learning process. Additionally, humans can provide inspiration and motivation that machines cannot replicate. By combining the power of hardware with the guidance of human teachers, we can create a learning environment that is both efficient and effective and that supports the development of well-rounded individuals with the skills and values needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Winning the talent war
The secret to success in any industry is simple: find ways to recruit and keep the most talented employees, then put them to good use. The world is in flux, new technologies are continually being developed, and the business landscape is constantly shifting. Still, one constant you need to keep in mind if you want to make it: you need to have people that can work through, under, or around any problem you throw at them. Humans will always be more essential in hardware in the development of a high-performing team.
First, it aids in developing a work environment that appreciates the value of human abilities and knowledge, which in turn can boost morale, contentment on the job, and dedication to the military’s goals. Team members are more likely to be motivated and invested in accomplishing the mission when they believe that their contributions are valued and that their abilities are crucial to the success of the team.
A second benefit is that team members are inspired to learn and grow by the emphasis placed on human judgment and decision-making. As a result, team members may be more motivated to take the initiative and think outside the box when addressing problems, increasing the likelihood of coming up with novel, pragmatic solutions.
A more cooperative and encouraging environment can be fostered in groups if members understand the limits of technology and the value of interpersonal communication and leadership. Team members are urged to play to each other's strengths and help one another out in any weak spots. As a result, the team's cohesion and performance may improve, making them better able to overcome obstacles and realize their objectives.
Let’s work on prioritizing human skills and expertise, which is essential for building high-performing teams. By recognizing the importance of human interaction and guidance, teams can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity that leads to greater success and resilience. Leaders can lead by example, providing support and guidance to team members and investing in resources and tools that support human performance. By taking a holistic approach to team performance that emphasizes the importance of human skills and expertise, teams can achieve their goals and adapt to the challenges of today's rapidly changing world. So, let's embrace the importance of human skills and expertise and build high-performing teams that are ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
