Homeland Security to Set Up ‘AI Corps’ With 50 Experts

The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new hiring initiative to recruit 50 artificial intelligence experts in 2024.

The “AI Corps,” announced by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a past Wash100 awardee, and DHS Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen, will comprise experts in AI and machine learning technologies, models and applications who will focus on the safe and secure use of AI and consumer protection and privacy. The experts will also advise on AI-related data science and engineering, program and product management, software engineering and cybersecurity.

The AI Corps will be part of the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer. Mayorkas and Hysen will launch the AI Corps at an upcoming event in Mountain View, California, designed to generate interest in AI careers, the DHS said Tuesday.

The department’s announcement came after the Office of Personnel Management granted federal agencies the power to directly hire AI professionals. According to a memorandum the OPM issued in January, federal agencies can use a government-wide direct hire authority to appoint IT specialists, AI computer engineers, AI computer scientists and management and program analysts or use temporary excepted service appointments for other AI workforce-related requirements.

The new authority is in line with the Biden administration’s AI adoption initiative.