Defense Department Takes Steps to Improve AI, Data Knowledge

The Department of Defense has launched a series of three- to four-day courses to teach its leaders what it means to integrate data analytics and artificial intelligence into operations.

Bill Streilein, chief technology officer of the DOD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, said the programs are being offered at the Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Naval Postgraduate School, Federal News Network reported.

The CDAO plans to develop courses for non-executive levels.

Speaking at the Department of the Navy’s IT West conference on Monday, Streilein explained that the CDAO wants to propagate data patterns as a foundation for utilizing AI at scale. A lack of understanding and trust are slowing down AI adoption within the DOD.

In November, the CDAO debuted a responsible AI toolkit to address distrust in the technology. The RAI team is working on additional features supporting project management and acquisition.

According to Streilein, user feedback is at the core of the CDAO’s data, analytics and AI adoption strategy, which prioritizes AI experimentation. He said users’ input will inform his office about what needs to change.