Doug Schmidt

Doug Schmidt, former Director of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation at the Department of Defense, now Dean at William and Mary, reveals pressing challenges in military weapons testing. He discusses a new directive emphasizing automation and AI, which could reshape the landscape of defense. Schmidt highlights the struggle to integrate innovative, low-cost systems from nontraditional contractors. He raises concerns about the balance between rapid advancement and ensuring safety and effectiveness, as well as the critical R&D needed to align human expertise with automation.