AI and Advanced Technologies in the Fight: Combatant Command and Service Collaboration

Introduction

Introduction

Good afternoon, I’m Gregory C. Allen, the director of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies here at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Today’s event centers on the collaboration between combatant commands, which bear the operational responsibility of fighting wars, and the services responsible for manning, training, equipping, and sustaining those forces. We have three exceptional leaders from the Department of Defense present, representing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Department of the Navy, and the Chief of Staff of the Army.

The Role of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)

The CTO roles in the Department of Defense (DoD) are relatively new concepts, diverging in function from traditional roles seen in the private sector. Skyler Moore serves as the CTO for CENTCOM, Justin Finelli for the Department of the Navy, and Dr. Alex Miller for the Army. Each CTO plays a crucial role in advising their respective commanders, facilitating effective technology utilization among troops, and conducting pathfinding to identify new solutions.

Moore elaborates that her role as CENTCOM's CTO emphasizes three main aspects: advising the commander on technology decisions, facilitating ongoing technologies for existing teams, and navigating the complexities of transitioning innovative technologies into operational use.

Priorities in Technology Adoption

Digital, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are increasingly becoming overarching priorities for all three leaders. They recognize that the landscape of warfare—especially regarding rapidly changing environments—mandates up-to-date, intelligent solutions. The CTOs highlight that integrating real users and realistic environments into experimentation is substantial for understanding what technologies require substantial investment moving forward.

Dr. Miller points out that change is imperative due to the combat exchanges evolving drastically. The lessons learned in battlefield engagements are extremely valuable. Sharing data across services is paramount to enabling joint, agile warfare strategies.

Exercises and Initiatives

Digital Falcon Oasis

Skyler Moore discusses the Digital Falcon Oasis, a 90-day digital exercise designed to test software tools in live operations. The goal is to provide users with the tools they need effectively and gather immediate, actionable feedback. Notably, this initiative allowed users to engage in real target development and approval processes without traditional bureaucratic delays.

Desert Guardian

Next is the "Desert Guardian" initiative, focused on defending against UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) threats. This series aims to integrate various systems, working toward interoperability among them to enhance situational awareness. Multi-domain fighting tactics are needed here, with a focus on utilizing a range of sensors and systems while ensuring that commanders aren’t overwhelmed with data from multiple sources.

Desert Sentry

Lastly, Desert Sentry symbolizes the Army's entry into AI experimentation. Here, combatant commands are examining the deployment of low-code/no-code models for computer vision, leveraging data analytics. By focusing on use cases that directly impact soldiers' efficiency, the initiative aims to mitigate administrative burdens on personnel.

Conclusion

Overall, the collaborative work between these leaders reflects the reality that innovation and change are essential components of modern warfare. By grasping and utilizing emerging technologies through systematic trials and studies, they are speeding up the transition from concept to operational capability.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Combatant Commands
Collaboration
Digital Transformation
Innovation
Technology Adoption
Interoperability
User-Centric Design
Desert Guardian
Digital Falcon Oasis
Desert Sentry

FAQ

What is the role of Chief Technology Officers in the Department of Defense?
- CTOs in the DoD are focused on advising their military leaders on the best technology practices and facilitating the adaptation of innovations for operational use.
How does AI play into the combat activities of the DoD?
- AI is used to streamline operations, enhance decision-making processes through data analysis, and develop tools for real-time situational awareness during combat.
What are the main initiatives discussed in the interview?
- The main initiatives include Digital Falcon Oasis for software testing, Desert Guardian for UAS threats, and Desert Sentry focused on AI experimentation for operational use cases.
Why is interoperability important in military technology?
- Interoperability among different systems is crucial to prevent information overload, enhance decision-making, and create a synchronized operational environment during combat scenarios.
How do these initiatives affect soldiers on the ground?
- These initiatives help to provide soldiers with efficient tools and reduced administrative burden, allowing them to focus on mission-critical tasks.