What AI got right (and wrong) about corrosion being a threat to National Security.
We asked a popular chat bot whether atmospheric corrosion represents a threat to national security.
What it got right:
Some might think it’s a stretch to suggest corrosion poses a threat to national security, but the chat bot had no such reservations. It stated immediately, directly, and unequivocally that corrosion threatens national security.
The first thing it identified was the negative impact corrosion has on the readiness and effectiveness of weapons systems, aircraft, vehicles, support equipment and infrastructure.
It went on to explain that lower levels of readiness impact the ability of the military to respond to a threat or carry out a mission. In addition it noted that the money spent on repairing and/or replacing corroded components reduces the resources available to expand military capabilities.
What it missed:
Overall the chat bot was quite thorough in its explanation of why corrosion is a threat to national security. However, it did miss a couple of things. One issue it should have covered is how the need for replacement parts puts additional stress on supply chains. Over and over again corroded parts/components need to be replaced and critical assets sit idle and unavailable waiting for replacements.
Another thing it overlooked was the strategic shift of assets and equipment to INDOPACOM, which is among the most corrosive environments on earth. The risk of corrosion is high not only because of the climate but also because there isn’t infrastructure in place to properly protect the equipment being relocated.
Finally, while it referenced the value of new composites and improved coatings, it failed to include other corrosion-prevention solutions such as protective covers and corrosion-free environments (CHP, Level III Aircraft Preservation, etc.). There are a variety of ways to mitigate and even completely prevent corrosion not mentioned by the chat bot.
What it got wrong:
While the chat bot clearly identified the most important issues (readiness and cost), it missed the mark in a couple of places. One was the suggestion that the Government needs to develop policies and practices addressing corrosion. Such policies and practices have been in place for many years, and the Army introduced an even more detailed Corrosion Prevention and Control regulation (DA PAM 11-42) in February 2022.
What’s needed isn’t more policy, but better oversight and compliance - neither of which was mentioned by the chat bot.
The other miss was a suggestion that additional research needed to be done. This was surprising knowing that the AI engine has processed such vast amounts of data. Hundreds and hundreds of corrosion-related studies have been done by the military over 5+ decades, all of which point to the same causes of corrosion, the same implications (higher costs/lower readiness), and the same solutions. In other words, the DoD already knows the causes of corrosion, has cataloged in detail the damage it does, and has identified proven and well-documented solutions.
“What’s needed isn’t more policy, but better oversight and compliance.”
Instead the chat bot should have asked why more preventative measures haven’t been taken given the volume of research and the consistency of its findings.
So, no offense to the chat bots, but you’re still better off talking to subject matter experts who not only understand the gravity of the situation but are ready to take action with a whole range of proven, cost-effective, and customized solutions.