Defense officials are reviewing artificial intelligence initiatives in the new office

As the US government seeks to better regulate and make better use of emerging technologies, namely artificial intelligence, the Department of Defense is in the process of improving the way it monitors the construction and implementation of AI technologies in business operations.

Testifying before the subcommittee of the House of Representatives on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems, officials working in the defense technology sector reviewed the role of the new office of the Director-General for Digital and Artificial Intelligence as part of the Agency for Artificial Intelligence’s bigger ambitions. .

“We are making serious efforts after the IOC [initial operational capability] on the first of February to unite the new organization, identify leaders, ensure that employees know where they are going in the new structure and really get the most out of this new AI, data, digital alignment along with it. ” , John Sherman, This was said by the Chief Information Officer of the Defense and the Acting Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer.

He also clarified that as an introductory CDAIO, he worked with colleagues to differentiate the responsibilities of the new office from similar services, including the Director General of Information and the Joint Center for Artificial Intelligence.

“There’s a lot of artificial intelligence going on in military services, because we have an established government there, a lot of it goes to IT directors, but not all of it,” Sherman said. “And it’s an opportunity for us, so we need to tighten that up, too.”

Defense Secretary Margaret Palmieri, chief deputy chief of staff for digital and artificial intelligence, explained how the defense’s plans to further develop AI affect the agency’s budget for the 2023 fiscal year.

Palmieri described his plans to test and scale AI-based analytical tools that focus on responsible ethics. Ideally, this technology will be integrated into combat defense missions.

“Much of our budget in the 23rd financial year cycle and the 22nd financial year cycle is focused on deploying this core, which allows businesses opportunities,” she said. “So this includes the computing platform, the tools, and then the data policies, which will allow us to access different data from across the department to really collect it and allow analysis or, ultimately, artificial intelligence to be able to support decisions in decision-making advantage. “

This technology is a critical component of DOD’s AI and Data Acceleration initiative and Project Maven, two projects focused on incorporating AI and machine learning into combat operations.

She also added that the agency is working to develop responsible guidelines for AI as employees work to make the technology more widely available.

“It is reliable that there are well-defined uses and we know what is good and what is not good – and we have a testing and warranty cycle involved – and that it is manageable and we know that it performs its intended function. . And if it doesn’t perform those intended functions, we can either disable the system or take it offline, “Palmieri said.