US Department of Defense Forms Generative AI Task Force
The U.S. Department of Defense has formed a new task force focused on studying and integrating generative AI capabilities across the military. The new group, Task Force Lima, will look for ways for the Pentagon to integrate the technology while minimizing risk.
Task Force Lima
“The establishment of Task Force Lima underlines the Department of Defense’s unwavering commitment to leading the charge in AI innovation,” Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said. “As we navigate the transformative power of generative AI, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring national security, minimizing risks, and responsibly integrating these technologies. The future of defense is not just about adopting cutting-edge technologies, but doing so with foresight, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the broader implications for our nation.”
Hicks organized Task Force Lima under the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office with U.S. Navy Captain M. Xavier Lugo as mission commander. Lugo will oversee synchronizing various generative AI efforts across the DoD and other government agencies. The Pentagon plans to apply generative AI to testing ways of enhancing combat, healthcare, and policymaking. Along with looking for positive ways to employ generative AI, Lima will also assess potential national security risks brought on by generative AI and try to identify vulnerabilities to the technology that could be exploited to harm the U.S.
“The adoption of artificial intelligence in defense is not solely about innovative technology but also about enhancing national security,” Lugo said. “The DoD recognizes the potential of generative AI to significantly improve intelligence, operational planning, and administrative and business processes. However, responsible implementation is key to managing associated risks effectively.”
Generative AI and large language models are not the only facets of AI the DoD is investigating, such as autonomous aircraft, voice assistants, and self-driving tanks. But, with a requested $1.8 billion for AI in its fiscal 2024 budget request, the Pentagon should be able to explore a lot of potential use cases. The public relations department has already tested out one use, asking ChatGPT to write a press release. And the Israeli military is already using generative AI to gather information and process it for potentially relevant intelligence and looming threats.
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