AI provides insights, but are leaders developing an over-reliance on machine-generated intelligence? AI is great at pattern recognition, but can it truly innovate What about the unforeseen logistical, ethical, and operational costs? What about the demands for data integrity, continuous retraining, infrastructure needs, and the growing demand for AI-specific talent? This panel explores cognitive biases in AI-assisted decision-making, the difference between optimization and innovation, the risks of automation complacency, and strategies to maintain human judgment in AI-driven warfare. Specifically, given the Secretary’s Memo on using the Software Acquisition Pathway and Presidential Executive Order on transforming acquisition, several leaders at the Department as well as industry are seeking insights on next steps. It is important to zero in on how the acquisition workforce can adapt and be ready to acquire attributable unmanned systems rapidly and efficiently.