On 4 June 2026, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) continued its series on Artificial Intelligence (AI), this time focusing on practical experiences of AI use in academic work. Two participants from the Higher Command Studies Course (HCSC), coming from different professional environments and with contrasting levels of experience, were invited to share their insights on using AI tools during their studies.

Colonel Cognon of the French Army had no prior experience with AI tools, while Colonel Pilar of the Czech Armed Forces was already confident in using a range of AI applications. Despite these different starting points, both arrived at similar conclusions about the value—and the necessary guardrails—of AI in academic work.

During the discussion, several key themes emerged repeatedly: AI as a sparring partner, time management, critical thinking, and equal linguistic opportunity. Both speakers highlighted that AI can be a valuable learning tool and a practical academic skill, but only if users maintain strict control over the technology. They emphasised the absolute necessity of verifying AI-generated sources and reasoning to avoid going off track, noting that the temptation to cut corners is a major pitfall when thinking is constrained by tight deadlines. Ultimately, AI is only effective if users know how to keep control, challenge the tool, question its outputs, and verify its accuracy. Colonel Cognon also reflected on the role of AI in overcoming language differences, noting that it can help reduce linguistic barriers and support more equal participation in discussions—an especially valuable advantage in a multinational institution such as BALTDEFCOL.

Colonel Pilar emphasised that the HCSC curriculum is demanding and that, to perform at one’s best, AI should be used as a tool that challenges assumptions rather than reinforces them. As he put it: “Ask AI to find the weakest part of your argument so that you can work on it. The default is flattery—and you do not need that.”

The speakers concluded the discussion by sharing five key pieces of advice for incoming students:

• AI levels the language playing field. If English is not your first language, AI helps close the gap. You arrive prepared, follow the discussion more easily, and contribute with greater confidence.

• Avoid over-prompting, but maintain quality control. Give the tool space. The more you attempt to control every micro-detail of the prompt, the less value you may extract. Allow it to propose ideas, then decide what works best—but always verify its sources and logic to ensure you stay on track.

• Make it argue back. AI tends to agree too easily. Ask it to challenge your reasoning and expose weaknesses in your argument. A tool that agrees with everything is of limited use.

• Use it to think more deeply, not just faster. AI can help manage a heavy reading load, but the real danger lies in letting time constraints compromise your critical thinking. Use the saved time to double-check the AI's reasoning and dive deeper into the material.

• Come prepared. Skills matter more than tools. Familiarise yourself with at least two AI tools before arrival, utilising the full versions if possible. AI does not make you smarter; it amplifies the way you already think, work, and cross-examine information. BALTDEFCOL is a mature institution that continues to evolve. In a multinational learning environment such as BALTDEFCOL, such exchanges offer valuable insight into how AI can support both academic performance and more equal participation across diverse linguistic and professional backgrounds, provided students remain firmly in control.