Garrett Berntsen has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Digital and AI Officer at the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). Berntsen brings a robust background in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), along with extensive experience in national security and international relations. In his previous role as the State Department's first Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, Berntsen was instrumental in establishing the State Department's Center for Analytics. This initiative has significantly enhanced the department's data-driven decision-making capabilities and bolstered its analytical frameworks. Berntsen also served as a Director for Technology and National Security on the National Security Council (NSC) at The White House. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the development of Executive Order 14110 on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. In his new position at the CDAO, Berntsen will leverage his extensive background to advance the DoD's analytics and AI initiatives. His focus will be on enhancing both warfighting and business functions within the department, ensuring that advanced technologies are integrated seamlessly into the defense infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and strategic capabilities. Berntsen's appointment reflects the DoD's continued commitment to digital transformation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining the U.S. military's technological edge and enhancing its ability to respond to emerging threats.
The Pentagon's Joint Staff is considering creating an internal office dedicated to leveraging emerging AI capabilities. The Joint Staff recently established an AI task force to examine use cases for AI and consider long-term organizational structures. Lt. Gen. Todd Isaacson, director for the Joint Staff's J-6 Command, Control, Communications, Computers, & Cyber bureau, stated that the organization wants its own chief digital and artificial intelligence office. The Joint Staff conducted a 90-day sprint to examine AI applications and identify areas for improvement. The organization is exploring how AI and machine learning technologies can be used for military applications. The Joint Staff's AI task force also assessed the workflows of all eight directorates to identify areas where AI-enabled capabilities from the commercial sector could be used to streamline processes. The Joint Staff is focused on improving digital modernization in four areas: developing a digitally enabled workforce, improving networking infrastructure, acquiring advanced tools and capabilities, and rapidly adopting new technologies. The organization is taking insights from the Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) to achieve dominance in the information space. The Joint Staff's efforts are part of a larger path to improve modernization of the U.S. military. The directorate has established a campaign plan for digital modernization. The Joint Staff is constantly endeavoring to improve its rapid adoption of new technologies and is partnering with industry partners to achieve this. The organization is also taking part in experimentation and demonstrations to support digital modernization. The Joint Staff's AI task force is part of the broader trend of the Pentagon exploring the use of AI and machine learning technologies for military applications.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently participated in a conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) at the U.S. Department of State. The conversation, titled "A Conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at State," was hosted by Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Matthew Graviss. The event aimed to engage with emerging technologies and their impact on diplomacy and international relations. Secretary Blinken discussed the topic of artificial intelligence and its implications, highlighting the U.S. Department of State's efforts to promote democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. The U.S. Department of State leads America's foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance, with the Secretary of State serving as the President's chief foreign affairs adviser. Secretary Blinken's participation in the conversation underscores the importance of AI in shaping diplomatic strategies and decision-making processes.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has established a task force called Task Force Lima to explore the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and develop guidelines and infrastructure needs for emerging capabilities. The task force, operating for an 18-month period, will provide recommendations to the Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to prioritize use cases and understand the guidelines and guardrails needed for testing and using generative AI. The CDAO's role is to develop limits on AI usage to allow experimentation within the DOD ecosystem. The task force's work will also inform the understanding of the systems needed to power and maintain generative AI tools. The DOD has directed Task Force Lima to provide best practice guidance and recommendations for adopting generative AI tools. The task force is led by U.S. Navy Captain Manuel Xavier Lugo.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently revealed that the State Department is utilizing AI-based tools to combat misinformation. The department is using AI to "advance our foreign policy" and to "strengthen this institution." The State Department has a program that can ingest a million articles every day from around the world, translate, synthesize, and provide a clear picture of what's happening in the information space immediately. However, the accuracy and reliability of this immediate picture may be questionable. The State Department has a history of investigating and engaging in controversial activities related to online censorship. The AI tools are likely to be more efficient in identifying and censoring "disfavored" speech on online platforms.
The Department of Defense (DOD) has issued an open call for proposals for the development and implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI) assurance portal and a branding and digital marketing strategy for its promotion. The portal will serve as a central platform and resource for information on DOD's AI systems, addressing the lack of a central AI resource platform, difficulties accessing and sharing AI-related resources, and limited collaboration opportunities among AI assurance professionals within DOD. The branding and marketing strategy aims to promote the importance and use of the portal. Interested parties have until July 27 to submit proposals.
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