From Warfighter to Technologist: The Shocking Skill Soldiers Are Mastering with Cathleen Rush

Jan 14, 2025

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Have you ever wondered how AI and robotics are transforming the military?

This week, Ryan Connell speaks with Cathleen Rush, Deputy of the Office of ARSOF Autonomy–a newly formed office within the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces–about the intersection of technology and military operations.

Cathleen shares her journey from active-duty engineer to her leadership role in Autonomy, where she combines AI, robotics, and science to enhance military efficiency.

In this episode, they dive into the SOF Dev initiative, which trains soldiers to use and develop advanced tech while fulfilling their operational roles.

Learn how generative AI is revolutionizing decision-making, the importance of upskilling the military workforce, and the challenges of technology adoption in a military context.

Tune in now and see how AI is shaping the future of military operations.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:05) Cathleen Rush’s role in the U.S. Army

(04:01) Overview of the Office of ARSOF Autonomy

(06:57) Upskilling military workforce through the SOF Dev initiative

(08:29) Balancing operational and technical roles in the military

(12:39) Soldiers as co-developers of tech

(19:47) Building soldier-technologists

(23:17) Challenges of technology adoption in the military

(25:34) Generative AI’s role in military operations

(28:44) Importance of cross-functional teams and partnerships

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with today’s guest:

💥Follow Cathleen Rush on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-rush/

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Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.