Paul Kendall's career is a fascinating journey from the dynamic world of military aviation to the forefront of strategic consulting and artificial intelligence (AI) in defence.
His wealth of experience, drawn from both high-stakes operations and advanced technological projects, makes him an invaluable asset to Universal Defence and Security Solutions.
A Distinguished Military Career
Kendall’s professional journey began in the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he piloted battlefield helicopters like the Puma and Merlin. He played a pivotal role in introducing the Merlin Mark 3 into service, adapting quickly to the demands of this state-of-the-art aircraft. His career advanced further when he commanded a specialist Aviation Detachment in Baghdad, an assignment he describes as "an interesting excursion," underscoring the unpredictable and high-risk nature of military operations in conflict zones.
In time, Kendall transitioned from operational roles to strategic planning, leading strategy development at the Joint Force Air Component Headquarters. His strategic insight deepened during his tenure with the U.S. Air Force, where he contributed to long-range planning and multi-domain command and control concepts. Studying at the U.S. Air Force War College, he managed an intense academic load, focusing on grand strategy – an experience he describes as pivotal to his strategic thinking.
From Service to Consultancy and AI
Upon leaving the military in 2021, Kendall founded Black Down Consultancy, specialising in strategy, command and control, and emerging technologies. “When you first leave the service, you kind of trade on your recency,” he notes, highlighting the immediate value of his up-to-date operational knowledge.
Kendall’s work has involved partnerships with top-tier defence organisations, including QinetiQ, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and the RAND Corporation. He is currently collaborating with the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office on projects focused on AI in command and control. Reflecting on AI’s potential, he observes, “There is lots we can do if you've got good data,” though he acknowledges the limits, as many military decisions hinge on "tacit" knowledge that requires human judgment.
Championing AI in Defence
Kendall is a strong advocate for integrating AI into military processes, particularly in planning and automation. AI’s ability to expedite planning processes is transformative: “Tasks that would take people a whole day to plan, we can knock out in about 15 seconds.” This speed allows for greater agility and the exploration of multiple strategies, enhancing decision-making capabilities. However, he stresses that AI should complement human expertise, with machines handling routine calculations while humans focus on high-stakes decisions.
He also highlights how AI’s development is shaped by cultural perspectives, noting that “sometimes you’ll see different results produced by Chinese AI than you will from American AI.” The regulatory approach also varies, with the U.S. favouring emergent regulation, while Europe tends to set boundaries early on. Kendall observes that Western militaries are cautious about deploying AI for lethal operations, whereas other nations, like Russia, might see AI as an advantage for rapid decision-making.
Despite his enthusiasm, Kendall remains circumspect about AI’s limitations, especially around data reliability. He uses ChatGPT as an example, noting that while it appears convincing, “it doesn’t actually have any understanding of the meaning” behind its responses, underscoring the need for caution in relying on AI-generated content.
Building Networks and Supporting Veterans
Networking has been instrumental in Kendall’s post-military career. His involvement with Universal Defence and Security Solutions has provided a platform for reconnecting with colleagues and building new relationships in the sector. He values UDSS’s role in keeping members informed on defence developments, describing it as a valuable resource for enhancing situational awareness. Beyond formal networks, Kendall is dedicated to supporting fellow veterans, offering guidance and sharing job leads whenever possible. “Whenever I can, I help people who are leaving [the military],” he says, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the veteran community.
A Diverse Portfolio: The Key to Success
Kendall’s approach to consultancy is grounded in versatility. He emphasises the importance of “having a number of strings to your bow” to navigate fluctuations in demand. His work spans AI, war gaming, and multi-domain operations.
One of his upcoming projects will explore “the future of military low flying in the UK,” a topic that resonates with both his personal and professional interests. His adaptability and breadth of expertise underscore his commitment to career resilience and growth.
Paul Kendall’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, strategic insight, and a forward-thinking approach to technological innovation. As he continues to explore emerging defence technologies and strategies, Kendall remains an influential figure, shaping the future of defence consulting and AI integration.
COMMENTS