Wearables are Building a Mobile-First Military and are Force Multipliers for Safety, Decision Making, and Operational Readiness

As the Department of War accelerates its transitions toward a mobile-first model, new technologies are emerging as force multipliers for safety, decision-making, and operational readiness. A key innovation is on-device AI. By running AI locally on mobile devices, teams can access live translation, transcription, chat assistance, and situational awareness tools without relying on cloud connectivity. This allows secure operations in disconnected or classified environments while management systems provide control over AI features, resulting in smarter and faster workflows that reduce cognitive and physical load on personnel. Teams can process information immediately, streamline reporting, and focus on the mission instead of managing multiple tools.Wearables and IoT devices further extend the mobile ecosystem. From battlefield injury monitoring to training optimization, these devices capture real-time biometric data to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Personnel can receive early alerts for health risks, track performance during exercise, and ensure continuous monitoring even in standalone mode without relying on paired devices. This flexibility enables smarter decision making and quicker responses in critical situations. In the second half of this Modern Integrated Warfare podcast, Bryan Schromsky, Managing Partner for 5G Public Sector at Verizon, and Todd Maxwell, Director of Regulated Business Development at Samsung Electronics America, explore how artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, and next-generation wearables are reshaping the military’s mobile ecosystem. In this new era, mobile devices are not just communication tools but intelligent hubs that enhance awareness, simplify workflows, and protect the warfighter in every environment. “It's really about trying to enhance safety and efficiency by providing this biometric data and then tying in some of the AI features, even down to the wearable on the device.”— Todd Maxwell