Mission Data Support in the AI Age

This whitepaper details the evolving challenges and methodologies in Electronic Warfare (EW) Operational Support (EWOS) during the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). It outlines how legacy EWOS has relied on multi-source reference datasets to construct equipment-specific Mission Data Sets (MDS). The document explains the traditional processes of data preparation and the implications of more complex modern threats, emphasizing the need for adaptation in response to advancements in technology. It presents Colonel Boyd's OODA loop as a relevant framework for understanding modern defense challenges, while also discussing the potential of AI and ML to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness. The paper concludes with a call for a comprehensive approach to data management that encompasses the entirety of the engagement process, referred to as the 'Kill Chain', to ensure that MDS can keep pace with rapid technological changes and emerging threats.