Ep 32: AI, Ethics, and Military Leadership: Navigating the Risks with Jason West

2025-04-11

Today, we’re tackling the profound ethical dilemmas posed by AI in military decision-making. Kate vanderVoort sits down with Jason West, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than a decade of service. With first hand experience participating in AI-driven war simulations and understanding how autonomous systems could be used in modern warfare, Jason brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Now the founder of Officers Eat Last and author of Leadership Development – A Blueprint for Building Your Leadership Foundation, Jason helps business leaders navigate ethical decision-making and res...

Today, we’re tackling the profound ethical dilemmas posed by AI in military decision-making. Kate vanderVoort sits down with Jason West, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than a decade of service. With first hand experience participating in AI-driven war simulations and understanding how autonomous systems could be used in modern warfare, Jason brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

Now the founder of Officers Eat Last and author of Leadership Development – A Blueprint for Building Your Leadership Foundation, Jason helps business leaders navigate ethical decision-making and responsible leadership — lessons drawn from both the battlefield and the boardroom.

From the risks of AI making life-and-death decisions to how businesses can use AI responsibly, this conversation will challenge how you think about AI, leadership, and accountability.

Tune in for a powerful discussion that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends.

Key Highlights

🔎 Jason’s Dual Career Journey

From finance to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jason shares how his military background shaped his views on leadership and ethics.
Why he founded Officers Eat Last to help business leaders apply military leadership principles in the corporate world.

🤖 AI in Warfare: The Ethical Dilemma

Jason explains the concept of "human in the loop" vs. "human on the loop" decision-making and how AI is influencing military operations.
Insights from his participation in AI-driven war games, simulating futuristic combat scenarios.
The chilling possibility of AI making autonomous life-and-death decisions, and the need for robust ethical frameworks to prevent misuse.

🛡️ Maintaining Human Accountability

The risks of removing the human element from critical decision-making processes.
Jason’s belief that any AI with the potential to take lives must be governed by human oversight and clear accountability.

🏢 Responsible AI in Business

Drawing from military lessons, Jason offers guidance on how companies can integrate AI responsibly.
The importance of ethical leadership in ensuring AI serves humanity rather than replacing its moral responsibilities.
Why leaders must consider the long-term social impact of AI-driven decisions, not just immediate profitability.

🌍 Geopolitical Implications of AI

How AI is fueling a modern-day technological arms race between nations.
Jason's perspective on “peer competitors” and the role of AI in defense strategy.
The importance of international collaboration and regulation to prevent the misuse of AI in warfare.

🔔 The Path Forward

Jason’s optimism about AI’s potential when used responsibly.
Why companies should focus on upskilling their workforce rather than simply replacing jobs with AI.
The importance of governance and oversight to ensure AI remains aligned with human values.

Connect with Jason West