The DoD Doesn't Know How to Apply AI

Revisiting the Seven Patterns

Good morning,

The Department of Defense is finally acknowledging a key reason AI adoption has lagged: most personnel don’t know how to apply it—or what real value it offers.

Case in point: the commander of the 19th Space Defense Squadron recently admitted that they’re not using AI at the tactical level. Not because it’s unavailable—but because the use cases aren’t clear.

That’s exactly why, a year ago, we introduced a framework to help defense leaders and investors make sense of AI’s potential.

It’s time to revisit the Seven Patterns of AI—a simple but powerful way to categorize how AI can actually deliver mission impact. Developed by Cognilytica (acquired last fall by the Project Management Institute), this framework has quietly shaped how we think about AI in defense ever since.

The Seven Patterns of AI in Defense

1. Hyperpersonalization
   Tailoring training, intel feeds, or operational support to individual warfighters. Imagine briefing products that adapt to a commander’s decision style—or si…