Will AI replace Officers in armed forces?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 90 official task statements scored for Officers in armed forces (United Kingdom, SOC 1161), 14% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 26 out of 100 (range 21–32, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Officers in armed forces” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status” (93/100, very high); “Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations” (88/100, very high); “Scan cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats” (83/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Officers in armed forces” stay human?

About 72% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Tow and manoeuvre barges” (0/100, minimal); “Signal crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps” (0/100, minimal); “Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Officers in armed forces” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 14% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 72% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Officers in armed forces calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 90 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Officers in armed forces

commanding infantry soldiers on operations, arranging for necessary repairs to be carried out and providing advice on the operational status of systems or equipment. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: piloting helicopters is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 14%
changing shape: 13%
staying human: 72%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 26 out of 100 (21–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 90 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for officers in armed forces is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is scanning cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats: the overhead at the edges, not the middle you trained for.

Your week, as this page understands it

Officers in armed forces serve as commissioned officers in His Majesty’s armed forces, foreign and Commonwealth armed forces plan, direct, organise and administer military operations; and perform duties for which there is no civilian equivalent. The job title says “officers in armed forces”. The real job is the part underneath: piloting helicopters. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But officers in armed forces is not one task. It is 90 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is piloting helicopters, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 14%
changing shape: 13%
staying human: 72%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

25 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

15 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Scanning cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats
This is reading one thing and writing another: cyberspace in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 1161/02
Source: “Scan cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Threat scanning uses abundant published sources and automated feeds rather than human searching.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Allocating watches to crew members for duty rotation
This is reading one thing and writing another: watches in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Allocate watches to crew members for duty rotation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (75–83 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a watch rota from availability and rules is a scheduling job software does very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Assigning watches or living quarters to crew members
This is reading one thing and writing another: watches in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out who stands which watch and sleeps where is a rostering job software handles once crew qualifications and rest rules are known.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Arranging repairs, fuel and supplies for vessels
This is reading one thing and writing another: repairs, fuel and supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ordering fuel, stores and repairs for a ship is booking and paperwork that software can largely handle from the vessel's requirements.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

12 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Allocating equipment, personnel and resources effectively to achieve objectives
The software now makes the first pass at equipment, personnel and resources, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Allocate equipment, personnel and resources effectively to achieve objectives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Matching people and kit to jobs is a planning problem software is good at, with an officer deciding.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Interpreting intelligence reports
The software now makes the first pass at intelligence reports, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 1161/03
Source: “Interpret intelligence reports.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 59 out of 100 (52–66 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading and interpreting written intelligence is desk work software already does well, though the classified detail behind it stays inside secure systems.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Formulating strategies and policies to achieve organisational goals
The software now makes the first pass at strategies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 1161/01
Source: “Formulate strategies and policies to achieve organisational goals.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Strategy documents can be drafted, though the choices behind them rest on knowing the organisation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

63 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Piloting helicopters
This work happens in the physical world: helicopters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/01, 1161/02, 1161/04
Source: “Pilot helicopters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flying a helicopter means being at the controls.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Leading command and managing a team of combat specialists
This work happens in the physical world: command, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 1161/01, 1161/03
Source: “Lead, command and manage a team of combat specialists, often in challenging and hazardous conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Leading a team in dangerous conditions depends on being present and trusted.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 4/4 · how much data exists 0/4.
Maintaining operational status of ships
This work happens in the physical world: operational status of ships, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Maintain operational status of ships, aircraft, vehicles, and related communication infrastructure.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping ships, aircraft and vehicles serviceable needs people working on them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Show the other 80 tasks

Maintaining records of cargo or passenger status
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of cargo in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Cargo and passenger records are structured data that software keeps accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining records to demonstrate compliance with health
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping health, safety and environmental records is structured paperwork that software can produce and maintain from existing operational data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining detailed records and writing reports to ensure maritime safety
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Maintain detailed records and write reports to ensure maritime safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 81 out of 100 (77–85 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Records and safety reports are written from data already held, which software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Notifying repair personnel of major equipment problems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: repair personnel of major equipment problems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Notify repair personnel of major equipment problems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (72–86 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Raising a fault notification is a simple, routine message that systems already generate automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Purchasing equipment and supplies
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: equipment in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Purchase equipment and supplies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 79 out of 100 (72–86 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Buying equipment and supplies is largely comparison and ordering that software does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing budgeting processes within administrative duties for operational efficiency
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: processes within administrative duties in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Manage budgeting processes within administrative duties for operational efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Budgeting is ordinary desk work with the figures already held on computer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out the necessary administrative tasks associated with learning programmes for individual officers and other ranks
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the necessary administrative tasks in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Carrying out the necessary administrative tasks associated with learning programmes for individual officers and other ranks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Course records, enrolments and returns are routine administration that software can largely produce.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing accounts as part of essential administration
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: accounts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Manage accounts as part of essential administration.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping accounts is desk work software already does well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ordering equipment to maintain operational readiness
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: equipment in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Order equipment to maintain operational readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reordering against stock levels is routine, though what to buy still needs an officer's judgement.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining records of ports of call
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of ports of call in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Maintain records of ports of call, weather and sea conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 69 out of 100 (65–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging ports, weather and sea conditions is record keeping that systems already capture automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analysing learning needs, encompassing both knowledge and skills
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: needs, encompassing both knowledge and skills in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Analyse learning needs, encompassing both knowledge and skills.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Comparing what people can do against what a role needs is a paperwork analysis software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing new or modified operational strategies and business plans
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at new or modified operational strategies and business plans, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Prepare new or modified operational strategies and business plans.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Business plans can be drafted quickly, but the strategy inside them needs judgement about this organisation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting breaches of national or regional navigation laws to the relevant authorities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at breaches of national, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Report breaches of national or regional navigation laws to the relevant authorities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Navigation rules are published, so the report can be drafted, but a qualified officer must make it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring compliance with international regulations regarding equipment use and condition
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at compliance, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Ensure compliance with international regulations regarding equipment use and condition.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: International rules are published, so checking equipment records against them is largely a document job.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Receiving instructions or technical advice from bases using telephones or two-way radios
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at instructions, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 1161/01
Source: “Receive instructions or technical advice from bases using telephones or two-way radios.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Taking instructions over radio or phone is routine information exchange that systems already handle.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Arranging for necessary repairs to be carried out
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at necessary repairs, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Arrange for necessary repairs to be carried out.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Logging faults and calling out repairers is scheduling work software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing advice on the operational status of systems or equipment
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at advice, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Provide advice on the operational status of systems or equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: System status reporting is largely automated, though some checks need someone looking at the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Instructing technical staff to maintain and repair all equipment
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at technical staff, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Instruct technical staff to maintain and repair all equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Work orders and maintenance instructions are straightforward to generate from equipment records.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating the delivery of supplies and equipment to operational sites
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the delivery of supplies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Coordinate the delivery of supplies and equipment to operational sites.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 48 out of 100 (41–55 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out what goes where and when is logistics planning that software is strong at.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating with educational professionals and organisations for programme development
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at educational professionals, but the part that matters is a person saying it and standing behind it. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Coordinate with educational professionals and organisations for programme development.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 40 out of 100 (33–47 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Documents can be drafted, but agreeing a programme with other colleges and bodies is negotiation between people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Coordinating language training, including EFL, for international armed forces personnel
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles language training, including EFL and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Coordinate language training, including EFL, for international armed forces personnel.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 39 out of 100 (32–46 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Arranging language courses is scheduling and coordination work that software can largely draft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Communicating effectively with other colleagues and professional groups through briefings
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles other colleagues and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Communicate effectively with other colleagues and professional groups through briefings, operational reports, and presentations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Briefings, reports and slides can be drafted automatically, though delivering them convincingly is a person's job.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Organising initial training for new entrants into the forces
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles initial and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Organise initial training for new entrants into the forces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Timetables, joining instructions and course plans are largely paperwork software can put together.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collecting and analysing military intelligence to help plan operations
staying human
The ratings behind this row put military intelligence well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Collect and analyse military intelligence to help plan operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Analysis is strong ground for software, but collecting military intelligence still depends on people and sources that are not in any database.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Pursuing opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and education
staying human
The ratings behind this row put opportunities well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 75 · 1161/01
Source: “Pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and education.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can map out development options, but the learning itself has to be done by the person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Identifying and implementing efficient solutions to meet project deadlines
staying human
The ratings behind this row put efficient solutions well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Identify and implement efficient solutions to meet project deadlines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Finding a workable fix under deadline pressure depends on project knowledge that is rarely written down.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Advising ships' captains on harbour rules and customs procedures
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for ships' captains, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Advise ships' captains on harbour rules and customs procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Harbour rules and customs procedures are published, so the advice can be drafted, though a qualified officer gives it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring vessel equipment to ensure its operational readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessel equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Monitor vessel equipment to ensure its operational readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Readings can be checked automatically, but equipment checks on a vessel still involve walking round it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Consulting on engineering matters, including fault diagnosis
staying human
The ratings behind this row put engineering matters, including fault diagnosis well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Consult on engineering matters, including fault diagnosis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 28 out of 100 (21–35 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can offer fault diagnoses, but engineering advice often needs someone looking at the equipment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Acting in a specific managerial capacity
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles a specific managerial capacity and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Act in a specific managerial capacity, such as project, production, or site manager.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Managing a project involves plenty of drafting, but the decisions and the people are handled in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Interviewing and hiring staff to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Interview and hire staff to maintain operational readiness and effectiveness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (17–31 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Sifting applications can be automated, but hiring decisions rest on meeting the person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the maintenance of a vessel's engines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the maintenance of a vessel's engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Manage the maintenance of a vessel's engines, weapons systems and communications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Maintenance planning can be automated, but judging the state of engines, weapons and radios still needs officers walking the ship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating the loading and unloading of cargo by crew members
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the loading and unloading of cargo, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Coordinate the loading and unloading of cargo by crew members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 21 out of 100 (14–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Load plans can be calculated automatically, but the loading itself is supervised on the quayside.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Teaching military studies from basic to technical levels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: military studies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Teach military studies from basic to technical levels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Lesson content is easy to draft, but teaching technical military subjects happens with people in a room.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading pressure and temperature gauges or displays to gather data
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pressure, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays to gather data.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Reading and recording gauge data is simple, but someone has to be at the instrument.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Activelying support team members to maximise potential in their role and identifying opportunities for development
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles support team members and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 70 · 1161/01
Source: “Actively support team members to maximise potential in their role and identify opportunities for development.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Developing colleagues depends on knowing them and earning their confidence over time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing staff to enhance their skills and performance
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Develop staff to enhance their skills and performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Developing someone's skills depends on a working relationship built over time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Running training courses to develop military skills and knowledge
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: courses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Run training courses to develop military skills and knowledge.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Course material writes itself easily enough, but running a course means standing in front of people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Acting as the main contact between ship and shore-based staff
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the main contact, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Act as the main contact between ship and shore-based staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Being the link between ship and shore depends on people knowing and trusting who they are calling.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Consulting maps, charts, weather reports or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: maps, charts, weather reports or navigation equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Route planning from charts and forecasts is well automated, but directing the ship's movements remains the certificated officer's call on the bridge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ship-to-shore radios, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (11–25 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Ship radio work needs a certificated operator at the set on board, though the routine message content itself is fairly standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Learning to operate new technology systems through instruction
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: operate new technology systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Learn to operate new technology systems through instruction.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 17 out of 100 (10–24 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Manuals can be summarised automatically, but learning to work a new system has to be done by the person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing tactical plans for frontline assault operations to achieve strategic objectives
staying human
The ratings behind this row put tactical plans well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 90 · 1161/03
Source: “Develop tactical plans for frontline assault operations to achieve strategic objectives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the five ratings behind the score, with no single dominant reason.
The rating behind it: Assault planning depends on secret, fast-changing detail that is not written down anywhere software can reach.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Instructing personnel of other ranks and preparing them for promotion
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: personnel of other ranks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Instruct personnel of other ranks and prepare them for promotion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Course material can be prepared automatically, but coaching someone towards promotion depends on knowing them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supporting the education and training of the families of staff
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the education, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Support the education and training of the families of staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supporting service families depends on a relationship built in person, though information can be prepared automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating surveillance operations to locate tank and artillery targets
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surveillance operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 1161/01
Source: “Coordinate surveillance operations to locate tank and artillery targets.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Software can help piece together surveillance data, but much of the useful information stays secret and local.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preventing ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ships under navigational control, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Spotting unsafe operations can be assisted by systems, but stopping a ship is a command decision only a qualified officer can make.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using whistles, flashing lights, flags or radios to signal passing vessels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: whistles, flashing lights, flags or radios, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Use whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios to signal passing vessels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (6–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Signalling rules are documented, but flags, lights and whistles are worked by someone on deck.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspiring and motivating team members to enhance productivity and team cohesion
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles team members and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 75 · 1161/01, 1161/02
Source: “Inspire and motivate team members to enhance productivity and team cohesion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Motivating people depends entirely on a real human relationship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 4/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Leading a team of experienced personnel to achieve project objectives efficiently
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a team of experienced personnel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Lead a team of experienced personnel to achieve project objectives efficiently.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Leading experienced people depends on a working relationship built face to face.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising a team of engineers and technicians
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a team of engineers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Supervise a team of engineers and technicians.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supervising a team depends on trust and judgement built with those people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training and supervising staff to ensure effective job performance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Train and supervise staff to ensure effective job performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training and supervising staff depends on a person alongside them on the floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting facilities and machinery for signs of wear and tear
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: facilities, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/02
Source: “Inspect facilities and machinery for signs of wear and tear.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking machinery for wear means looking at and handling it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using satellite and sonar systems to navigate ships or submarines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: satellite, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Use satellite and sonar systems to navigate ships or submarines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Navigation software already computes much of this, but a certificated officer must be aboard operating the systems and answering for the ship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using sonars and echo sounders to collect underwater topography data
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sonars, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Use sonars and echo sounders to collect underwater topography data.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Running sonar and echo sounders means being aboard operating the kit, though the resulting data is processed on screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Ensuring the security of airfields
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the security of airfields, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/02
Source: “Ensure the security of airfields.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Planning can be supported by software, but keeping an airfield secure comes down to guards, patrols and barriers on the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising catering staff
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: staff, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/02
Source: “Supervise catering staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Supervising kitchen staff means being in the kitchen while the work happens.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring loading of freight to ensure compliance with procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: freight, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Monitor loading of freight to ensure compliance with procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking a load plan is deskwork, but watching freight actually go aboard correctly needs eyes on the quayside.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising the operation and maintenance of deck machinery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Supervise the operation and maintenance of deck machinery, such as winches and cranes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Winches and cranes need people working on and around them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Overseeing the operation and maintenance of military weapon systems
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/03
Source: “Oversee the operation and maintenance of military weapon systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Weapon systems need people working on and around them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Supervising crews in cleaning decks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crews, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Supervise crews in cleaning decks, superstructures, or bridges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Supervising deck cleaning means being on deck while it happens.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing troops for rapid deployment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: troops, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 1161/03
Source: “Prepare troops for rapid deployment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 4 out of 100 (0–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Getting troops ready to deploy is hands-on preparation and drill.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inspiring team members to achieve set military objectives
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: team members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 1161/01
Source: “Inspire team members to achieve set military objectives.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Motivating people is something they take from a person they know, not from a screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 4/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Supervising military personnel to maintain discipline and operational effectiveness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: military personnel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/01
Source: “Supervise military personnel to maintain discipline and operational effectiveness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Discipline and standards rest on an officer being present and respected.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Taking charge of a watch at sea
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: charge of a watch, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Take charge of a watch at sea, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew by taking decisions on navigation and vessel operations such as avoidance of collision with other vessels, and safe navigation of natural and man-made hazards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 3 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Only a certificated officer may hold the watch, and they must be on the bridge keeping a lookout by sight and hearing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training employees on specific job procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: employees, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/02
Source: “Train employees on specific job procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–6 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training someone on a specific job procedure means being at the machine or line showing them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Commanding infantry soldiers on operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: infantry soldiers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 95 · 1161/01
Source: “Command infantry soldiers on operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Commanding soldiers on operations means being there with them and being trusted under pressure.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 4/4 · how much data exists 0/4.
Arming aircraft for missions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 1161/02
Source: “Arm aircraft for missions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Loading weapons onto an aircraft is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Piloting aircraft to conduct military operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 1161/02
Source: “Pilot aircraft to conduct military operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Flying an aircraft on operations means being in the cockpit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Preparing aircraft for the next flight to maintain mission readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: aircraft, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/02
Source: “Prepare aircraft for the next flight to maintain mission readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Preparing an aircraft is hands-on work on the airframe.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Participating in search-and-rescue operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: search-and-rescue operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Participate in search-and-rescue operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Search and rescue means people, boats and aircraft physically going out to find and recover someone.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Safelying steer and navigate different types of marine craft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: steer, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 1161/04
Source: “Safely steer and navigate different types of marine craft, such as pilot boats, work boats, and survey boats, using navigational systems and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Steering a vessel means being at the helm.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Conducting safety drills, man overboard or fire drills
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: safety drills, man overboard or fire drills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: A man overboard or fire drill only counts if crew physically muster and handle the equipment on board.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Manoeuvring vessels in harbours and their approaches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Manoeuvre vessels in harbours and their approaches, taking into account the constraints and limitations of other craft on the water.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Manoeuvring a vessel in harbour means handling the ship in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Participate in shore patrols to maintain security and order
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: shore patrols, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Participate in shore patrols to maintain security and order.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shore patrols work by people walking the ground.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Refueling marine vessels to ensure operational capability
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: marine vessels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 1161/04
Source: “Refuel marine vessels to ensure operational capability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Refuelling a vessel is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: oil spills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 1161/04
Source: “Check for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting a spill around a harbour means being there to look.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessels' holds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking soundings means physically dipping tanks and holds with a line and tape, so someone has to be aboard doing it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Signaling crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crew members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Signal crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Signalling to crew on deck means being there in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Towing and manoeuvring barges
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: barges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 1161/04
Source: “Tow and manoeuvre barges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Towing and manoeuvring barges is done by crews handling vessels.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: No median pay figure is published for this exact group, so there is none here. We would rather show you the gap than a number borrowed from somewhere else.The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
People doing this job: 33,700in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: equipment, personnel and resources in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: scanning cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats and allocating watches to crew members for duty rotation. What it cannot do is be answerable: helicopters need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: piloting helicopters is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 14% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 13% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 72% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 90 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Scanning cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to equipment, personnel and resources, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding: a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes: ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether helicopters are in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near allocating equipment, personnel and resources effectively to achieve objectives. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to officers in armed forces (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was ship and hovercraft officers: only about 24% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 26/100 here, with only 14% of the task list in the top band, and “command infantry soldiers on operations” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Ship and hovercraft officers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “safely steer and navigate different types of marine craft”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 24% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 24% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Non-commissioned officers and other ranks
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “participate in search-and-rescue operations”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 14% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 14% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Marine and waterways transport operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “take charge of a watch at sea, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 9% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 9% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price. And it is a narrow door: about 6,700 of those jobs against 33,700 of yours (ONS via Nomis), 20% as many seats.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 14% of its task weight, across 90 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like piloting helicopters arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

In US official statistics this job is counted as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. Pay and employment stay on this page’s own group; the task list and the scores do not cross over.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for officers in armed forces, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 14% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for officers in armed forces. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for officers in armed forces launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for officers in armed forces yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for officers in armed forces existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for officers in armed forces launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Officers in armed forces?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 90 official task statements scored for Officers in armed forces (United Kingdom, SOC 1161), 14% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 26 out of 100 (range 21–32, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Officers in armed forces” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status” (93/100, very high); “Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations” (88/100, very high); “Scan cyberspace to identify and assess potential security threats” (83/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Officers in armed forces” stay human?: About 72% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Tow and manoeuvre barges” (0/100, minimal); “Signal crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps” (0/100, minimal); “Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Officers in armed forces” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 14% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 72% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Officers in armed forces calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 90 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
25 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: no pay figure published for this groupnomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.