Keynote Lecture
Analytic Allies: Fostering Synergy between Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research
Amanda Gustave
Chief Data Officer for Supreme Allied Commander, NATO (SACEUR)
Belgium
Brief Bio
Lt Col Amanda Gustave is currently active duty Air Force in the Operations Research career field (15A). She is currently stationed at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), in Mons, Belgium, serving as the Chief Data Officer (CDO). As CDO, she is enabling the alliance to leverage the power of data as a warfighting capability and safeguard the security and freedom of all alliance members. Other notable roles include: CDO, Joint Staff (J35) Global Force Management; Chief Analyst, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Africa. She is also currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Military Operations Research Society (MORS).
Abstract
This lecture focuses on the practical application of AI and OR across the military domain. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within military operations research (OR) represents many transformative opportunities for analysts to significantly enhance their analytical capabilities and expand their professional impact in an increasingly data-driven world. By embracing AI technologies such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and automated optimization techniques, operations research professionals can revolutionize their approach to complex problem-solving, enabling them to tackle larger datasets, uncover sophisticated patterns, and optimize dynamic systems with remarkable efficiency across diverse applications. This powerful integration elevates the military OR analyst's role from traditional computational tasks to high-value strategic impact. AI-enhanced methodologies provide faster time-to-insight, more comprehensive scenario analysis, and superior decision-support capabilities required for military decision making at the strategic, operational and tactical level. This lecture will focus on several practical applications of the integration of AI and OR and how it’s shaping complex military warfighting scenarios—including battlefield resource allocation, tactical decision-making under uncertainty, force deployment optimization, and multi-domain operational planning. With these tangible examples, it highlights the importance of AI adoption in a military context as no longer optional, but essential. Building an “alliance” between AI and OR creates a powerful synergy that addresses modern operational challenges with superior speed, accuracy, and strategic impact.