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September 30, 2025: Israel has formed Refaim, a new experimental Special Operations unit combining ground operations, drones, robotics, and real-time intelligence. Officially known as the 888 Multi-Dimensional Unit, Refaim is the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) effort to apply new drone warfare weapons and techniques while gathering information on who the enemy is, where they are, and what they can do. Amid all this, Refaim coordinates attacks on detected targets using army, air force, and naval units.

Meanwhile, the Americans created Maven, a software-based target selection system used in 2023 to help the IDF quickly identify and attack 85 targets across seven different areas in Iraq and Syria. Israel developed its own system, called Gospel, which functions similarly to Maven. Both were inspired by Ukraine’s original and highly effective software fire control system, used to counter the 2022 Russian invasion. This use of enhanced mission planning software has been around for nearly a decade, but the concept existed for decades until technology and software capabilities became reliable and useful.

While some civilians view AI-enhanced target selection as nightmarish and improbable, the reality is that it works for the troops whose lives depend on it. The success of AI-based software for target selection is now being expanded to include other types of intelligence collection. The fact is, an AI-based system can make accurate decisions faster than human analysts. However, human operators must constantly monitor this process to watch for errors. Some errors stem from faulty software, which is ultimately created by human software engineers. There are always humans in the loop, either directly or indirectly.

American operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia have regularly used algorithms to assess the state of these regions and determine U.S. actions. U.S. forces began using Project Maven’s computer vision systems in real campaigns after Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023. Israeli intelligence was criticized for not detecting the Hamas operation. In reality, Israeli intelligence detected Hamas’ plans, but Hamas devised a deception that persuaded the Israelis there was no danger. Successful deception and surprise are among the most effective military techniques when executed well—and Hamas made it work.

Maven and Gospel are AI-based systems used by the Israeli military to rapidly identify and target enemy combatants and equipment, enhancing targeting capabilities during operations. They were first utilized during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in 2021 and are designed to reduce civilian casualties while increasing the speed of targeting decisions. Israel has other Special Operations units that perform similar functions.

In addition, there are other ways to develop new capabilities in troops. One technique involves using Role-Playing Games (RPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). It was long suspected that the IDF took a dim view of recruits who admitted to playing D&D. Eventually, the IDF confirmed that recruits who engage in such activities are less likely to receive high security clearances, barring them from many desirable jobs in intelligence, electronics, or special operations. This is no small matter, as in Israel nearly everyone serves in the IDF, and a good military job often leads to strong civilian career opportunities.

The IDF has stated that D&D players may be detached from reality and susceptible to influence, potentially clouding their judgment. They described these individuals as having a tendency to be swayed by external factors or possessing a weak personality, making it difficult to obtain a security clearance. The IDF never disclosed how many recruits were affected by this policy or how long it has been in place. Rumors about the policy have circulated among young Israeli D&D players for years, leading many to avoid admitting they play RPGs during IDF screenings. The IDF admitted to using indirect interrogation methods to identify D&D players, often sending those identified to see IDF psychologists.

In the United States, where RPGs were invented in the early 1970s, religious leaders, lawyers, and concerned parents have accused RPGs of having negative effects. However, there has never been concrete evidence that RPGs cause harm. The American military encourages the use of RPGs and other games for both recreation and professional training, even incorporating RPG game design techniques into professional wargames.

In response to the IDF’s stance, one D&D player provided a list of positive reasons for including D&D players in IDF recruitment. RPGs develop the ability to make split-second decisions while simultaneously considering how an entire scenario will unfold. They also foster creative thinking and the development of new concepts. Additionally, RPGs enhance the ability to read people and discern their intentions—skills that Refaim operators continually use and develop in combat.