The US Department of Defense (DoD) has adopted a series of ethical principles for the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The principles are to apply to both combat and non-combat functions and assist the US military in upholding the legal, ethical, and policy commitments in the field of AI. In line with these principles, AI should be: (a) responsible (DoD personnel will remain responsible for the development, deployment, and use of AI); (b) equitable (steps will be taken to minimise unintended bias in AI capabilities); (c) traceable (AI capabilities will be developed and deployed in a manner that allows relevant personnel to have an appropriate understanding of the technology, development processes, and related operational methods); (d) reliable (the safety, security, and effectiveness of AI capabilities will be subject to testing and assurance); (e) governable (AI capabilities will have the ability to detect and avoid unintended consequences).