As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance, the Air Force is using a series of capstone events in 2025 to test its integration into future battle management operations. The 805th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, leads this initiative, utilizing biannual capstone events to evaluate new technologies for tactical command and control. Following a successful event in December 2024, the squadron aims to further explore new capabilities to aid the Defense Department's Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) strategy in the coming year. The challenges of executing CJADC2 are significant, but at the recent capstone, known as Capstone 24B, the 805th aimed to explore how AI can assist in dynamic targeting on complex battlefields. Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, commander of ShOC-N, emphasized the need to streamline massive amounts of information into actionable insights for battle managers, highlighting AI's potential to help focus on critical operational aspects. During Capstone 24B, the unit experimented with various AI platforms, including the Maven Smart System and Maverick AI, which helped manage both friendly and enemy assets within a shared operational picture. For the first time, the Maven system was effectively integrated into the Air Force’s new Tactical Operations Centers-Light (TOC-L), a mobile command and control kit designed to consolidate data feeds into a single air picture. The 805th implemented the TOC-L system to simulate a dynamic targeting cell, enhancing their ability to identify and respond to unplanned threats.

Lt. Col. Carl Rossini discussed the valuable insights gained regarding operational command systems and dynamic targeting strategies. To address CJADC2 goals, the Air Force is developing the DAF Battle Network, intended to connect various military and allied sensors and weapons into a cohesive network for faster data transfer across all domains. The focus on AI tools at ShOC-N aims to streamline decision-making processes, particularly in dynamic targeting, while ongoing testing will refine these technologies. Moving forward, the 805th plans a detailed experimentation campaign throughout 2025, consisting of four experiments linked to exercises like Bamboo Eagle and Project Convergence, and concluding with a final capstone event. This “building block approach” allows for iterative learning and rapid integration of experimental findings into training exercises. The TOC-L team plans to engage in multiple joint exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, gathering feedback to inform future TOC-L acquisitions and improvements. The systematic approach to experimentation will play a crucial role in developing enhanced capabilities while continuously addressing risks and refining their systems.