In this episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt sits down with Clint Alanis, co-founder of Smack Technologies and a former Marine Corps officer, to explore how AI can reshape military decision-making in an era of rapid technological change. Clint shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in South Texas and attending a military college on a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship, to serving as an infantryman, special operations officer, and diplomat across 20 years, including five years abroad. After leaving the Marine Corps as a commanding officer, Clint transitioned into the tech world, driven by a mission to ensure the U.S. remains prepared for future conflicts.

The conversation delves into:

• From Marine to Tech Founder: Clint’s transition from military service to co-founding Smack Technologies, sparked by a desire to address strategic gaps with cutting-edge AI solutions.
• Smack’s Mission: How Smack Technologies aims to help warfighters make faster, smarter decisions in complex, high-stakes environments—reducing cognitive overload and enhancing lethality.
• AI as a Cognitive Offset: Using predictive analytics and real-time options to support commanders, from tactical edges to strategic levels, without replacing human judgment.
• Gaps in U.S. Military Strategy: Clint’s perspective on the loss of focus on lethality, the need for efficiency with limited resources, and the importance of decentralizing decision-making.
• The Defense Industrial Base: Why current manufacturing capacity may falter in a high-intensity conflict, and the necessity of coalition-based strategies with allies.
• Human-in-the-Loop Debate: Balancing AI autonomy with human oversight, addressing fears of misuse, and ensuring ethical application in warfare.
• Advice for Veterans: Encouraging transitioning military professionals to embrace risk, leverage their expertise, and join the tech space to strengthen national resilience.

Clint underscores that war remains a human endeavor rooted in lethality, and AI is a tool—not a replacement—for enhancing warfighter effectiveness. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking look at how technology can bridge yesterday’s tactics with tomorrow’s battles, plus practical advice for veterans eyeing entrepreneurship.

To learn more about Smack Technologies: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smack-technologies-inc/

To connect with Clint on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintalanis/

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