SOCOM Acquisition Chief Expects AI to Impact Various Military Programs

U.S. Special Operations Command Acquisition Executive Jim Smith said on Tuesday during his keynote address at Special Operations Forces Week 2023 held in Tampa, Florida, that artificial intelligence should not be isolated as a single independent program that will require the designation of an executive officer specifically for AI. On the contrary, Smith said AI will be integrated into various program offices and will play an important role in the business enterprise, Breaking Defense reported.

Smith said while the military is starting to get used to AI’s role in operational capabilities, it is also imperative to be familiar with the critical role the technology will have to play in acquisition in terms of financial sourcing, program duration and delays in acquisition decisions. Smith did note, however, during a roundtable with reporters later, that he was “absolutely” concerned about AI-generated mistakes, recently a popular topic of discussion given the faulty nature of generative AI programs like ChatGPT, which could impact acquisition, including the veracity of information.