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
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.
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.
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.
What is the role of Chief Technology Officers in the Department of Defense?
How does AI play into the combat activities of the DoD?
What are the main initiatives discussed in the interview?
Why is interoperability important in military technology?
How do these initiatives affect soldiers on the ground?
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