AI. Fiction and Reality up to 2026. Military and current events.

Fiction and Reality. Confer with AI

 

In 2026, the intersection of fiction and reality in the military highlights a paradox: while fictional narratives are increasingly used to prepare for future wars, real-world confidence in the institution remains at historic lows.

 

1. The Reality: A Persistent Confidence Crisis

Public trust in the U.S. military has stabilized but remains significantly lower than in previous decades.

Declining Trust Levels: As of late 2025, only about 49% to 51% of Americans express "a great deal" of confidence in the military, a sharp drop from 70% in 2018.

 

Key Drivers of Distrust:

 

Politicization: Both sides of the political aisle perceive the military as overly politicized, citing concerns ranging from "woke" practices to the presence of extremists in the ranks.

 

Past Failures: Disillusionment stemming from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the chaotic 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan continues to impact perception.

 

Leadership Conduct: High-profile ethical lapses and misconduct among senior leaders have further eroded the military's image as a professional bastion.

 

Recruitment Impact: While some branches reported meeting goals in 2025 by lowering standards or increasing waivers, only 10% to 13% of young adults (ages 18–29) express a high willingness to serve. 

 

2. The Fiction: Narrative as a Strategic Tool

Modern militaries are intentionally using "fiction" to navigate the complexities of "reality."

"FicInt" (Fictional Intelligence): Organizations like NATO and the U.S. Department of War (formerly DOD) employ science fiction writers to create scenarios for future conflict, such as AI-generated warfare and gene-manipulated soldiers.

 

Strategic Planning: Fictional "Red Teams" are used to "destabilize" and "scare" leaders by imagining radical threats that traditional planning may overlook.

 

Training and Empathy: Fiction is used in professional military education to help officers visualize complex battlefield realities and think beyond tactical checklists. 

 

3. Media Influences and Public Perception

The line between fictional portrayals and real-world military service often blurs for the public. 

 

Cinematic Realism: Major 2026 film releases like Project Hail Mary and Dune: Part Three lean into themes of "competence under pressure" and "lonely hero missions," which resonate with military viewers' sense of duty and psychological reality.

 

Counter-Stereotyping: Advocates suggest that soldiers using social media to share their "hero's journey" and personal transformations can act as a bridge, using narrative art to dispel negative real-world stereotypes and boost recruiting.