The Army Special Operations Forces are using a tool called Ghost Machine to teach operators how easily available technology can be used for deception and influencing enemy soldiers, as part of Project Convergence, launched in late March.
The Breakdown
At Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in California, U.S. and allied military forces participated in Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PCC4), a high-tech training exercise simulating warfare scenarios between aggressor "red" forces and defending "blue" forces across the western Pacific, The Nation wrote.
The exercise, integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, aimed to enhance the speed and efficacy of joint and multinational military operations, reflecting a modern warfare approach involving air, sea, and ground maneuvers.
Technological Integration in Military Strategy
PCC4 focused on the application of artificial intelligence and automated data systems to synchronize diverse military units in complex battle conditions. This year's event, involving participants from all U.S. military branches and allies like Australia, Canada, and the UK, emphasized a futuristic approach to combat, underscoring the shift toward high-tech warfare capabilities.
Project Convergence's Evolution
Since its inception by the Army’s Futures Command in 2018, Project Convergence has evolved into an increasingly intricate joint and multinational exercise. The latest iteration, conducted over four weeks at multiple locations including Camp Pendleton and Ft. Irwin, was the most comprehensive to date, showcasing advanced land combat tactics and the strategic use of unmanned systems in a controlled, yet expansive testing environment.
The Ghost Machine Deepfake
Among the features of Project Convergence's progress is the Ghost Machine, which allows soldiers to mimic enemy commanders and trick them into thinking their commander has been captured. Additionally, speakers slung from drones can be flown toward enemy positions to blast messages, combining technological advancements with time-tested techniques.
Ghost Machine relies on voice cloning technology, which can copy enemy voices from intercepted communications or public data to deceive the enemy.
The use of drones with speakers allows for more effective dissemination of messages to enemy positions, inspired by tactics observed in Ukraine.
The integration of deepfake technology and drones into training exercises demonstrates the Army's focus on adapting to modern warfare tactics. By leveraging these tools, special operators can enhance their capabilities in information warfare and psychological operations.
