This article will give a brief definition of the term artificial intelligence (AI). It will take an in-depth look at the origins and purpose of this exciting field of computer science. In particular, this article will discuss some of the many subcategories of current research, applications, and technological obstacles that scientists face when developing AI. Additionally, the author will examine the various specific military applications of AI for training, target acquisition, and command and control capabilities. Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence can take many forms, but for the purposes of this article I have adopted the definition from The Columbia Encyclopedia (2008), which states that artificial intelligence (AI) is a computer science discipline that aims to focus on creating machines that can imitate intelligent human behavior. This is an attempt to give computers human reasoning and thought processes. Humans have always been interested in the design, creation and application of intelligent machines. Therefore, with the discovery and introduction of computer systems and with the decades of programming research that followed, humans now realized that many of their ideas could be realized through the development of these systems. The most intriguing problem in this field of study is that over time, technology evolves, and so does the definition of artificial intelligence. In a lighter definition of intelligence, it is the distinct applications of abnormally occurring systems or the application of artificial systems that rely on the use of different levels of knowledge to achieve set goals. Artificial intelligence began with the theoretical work of mathematician Alan T...... middle of article ......latest predictions about the speed at which AI will advance have proven misleading. This does not mean that it has completely failed. Rather, it means that there has been a simple misunderstanding of the problems with these predictions involving science and engineering. Future advances in AI will require only the brightest minds in many fields, including science, engineering, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, psychology, and, most importantly, mathematics. Progress will be made as long as humans maintain their imagination and desire to achieve their goals, because with AI it is not only difficult, but also exciting (Sloman, 2009). In the 21st century, artificial intelligence research will aim to add reasoning and knowledge to its existing applications, making it smarter, easier to use, more flexible and increasing its sensitivity to environmental changes.