The Pentagon has launched a task force to explore safe applications of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. This move aims to utilize cutting-edge technologies to safeguard national security and assess potential risks from adversaries.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks announced the creation of Task Force Lima. This task force is set to spearhead the analysis and strategic integration of generative AI tools, including large language models (LLMs), across the Department of Defense (DoD).
“The establishment of Task Force Lima underlines the Department of Defense’s unwavering commitment to leading the charge in AI innovation,” 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.”
Task Force Lima
The Task Force Lima “will assess, synchronize, and employ generative artificial intelligence (AI) across the Department,” according to the DoD statement. Task Force Lima will provide the framework and initiative for DoD to:
- Accelerate promising generative AI initiatives and joint solutions.
- Federate disparate developmental and research efforts into a DoD community of practice to accelerate innovation and implementation.
- Evaluate solutions across Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy.
- Drive education and build a culture of responsible implementation and use.
- Ensure coordinated DoD engagement with interagency, international, educational, civil society, and industry partners regarding responsible development and use of generative AI.
CDAO and other offices involved
The task force is led by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). The CDAO, which became operational in June 2022, is committed to integrating AI capabilities throughout the DoD.
Along with the CDAO, these departments maintain key roles and responsibilities in AI adoption across the Department:
- The office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is responsible for national security, defense strategy and policy, bilateral, multilateral, and interagency engagement.
- The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering USD(R&E) is responsible for technology and innovation strategy and research through prototyping.
- The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment is responsible for oversight of acquisition strategies, industry engagement, and coordination of major technology-sharing agreements.
- The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security is responsible for intelligence, counterintelligence, security, and sensitive activities.
- DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for the DoD information enterprise to include communications, information systems, cybersecurity, and command and control.
Enhancing U.S. National Security
Dr. Craig Martell, the DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, highlighted the importance of responsible adoption stating that “The DoD has an imperative to responsibly pursue the adoption of generative AI models while identifying proper protective measures and mitigating national security risks that may result from issues such as poorly managed training data.”
Dr. Martell also said that “We must also consider the extent to which our adversaries will employ this technology and seek to disrupt our own use of AI-based solutions.”
The Pentagon’s adoption of generative AI models holds immense promise in revolutionizing defense operations across multiple domains. By harnessing the power of AI to efficiently process vast datasets and generate products, the Department aims to elevate its performance in critical areas such as warfighting, business affairs, health, readiness, and policy formulation.
U.S. Navy Capt. M. Xavier Lugo, Task Force Lima mission commander stressed the significance of responsible implementation. “The adoption of artificial intelligence in defense is not solely about innovative technology but also about enhancing national security,” he 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” said Lugo, who os also a member of the CDAO’s Algorithmic Warfare Directorate.
