Specialist Group Information Services (SGIS)

Here's the next in the SGIS mini-series on AI - In a recent edition of the popular podcast 'The Infinite Monkey Cage', mathematician Professor Hannah Fry stated that, rather than being 'a revolution in intelligence', 'AI' is more accurately 'a revolution in computational statistics'. That revolution boils down to the availability of unprecedented levels of computational power and the creation of innovative algorithms that undertake statistical analysis in new ways. In this regard it is possible to think of AI as a logical evolution of other methods humanity has come up with to improve the way information can be accessed, analysed and represented, for us to consume. This is of huge significance when we look at AI through the lens of the Defence sector, where gaining and retaining 'Decision Advantage' is of paramount importance. British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command - UK Space Command #AI #MachineLearning #ComputerScience

SGIS has joined forces with Sanderson Government & Defence and the MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets) to develop a new Artificial Intelligence based application, tailored specifically for more than 15,000 active cadets and adult volunteers. The app is being developed as part of the MSSC's ambitious Future Ready Strategic Plan The plan aims to empower Sea Cadets by giving them a user-friendly way to identify their unique skills, and explore potential career paths. Defence Relationship Management (DRM) Royal Navy UK Ministry of Defence British Army #Cadets #AI #App

"The world's leading militaries are becoming more digitised and connected", states this month's Soldier magazine. An insightful feature in the publication highlights the importance of space - a domain in which SGIS has significant expertise. The article concludes with: "It is in no way a replacement for hard power, but good luck fighting a war without it - If you go up against an adversary who has space support and you don't, you are probably going to lose, and quite badly" You can read the full article at the link in the comments.

Artificial Intelligence has no ability to sense or feel..! Here's part 2 of our thinking on AI - First and foremost it is important to understand that AI is not sentient, there is no implementation of AI that has an awareness of itself in the way we humans do. In stark contrast to the dystopian depiction of AI portrayed in Hollywood Sci-fi movies like Terminator, Robocop and Short Circuit, which many of us grew up with. When studying Computer Science we are often reminded of the fact that AI, in the words of Ada Lovelace: “has no pretensions whatever to originate anything… its province is to assist us in making available what we are already acquainted with”. That is as true today as it ever was. Here at SGIS we're always looking for talented IT professionals to come and help us provide deep technical consultancy and thought leadership to Defence, so if you're interested then get in touch! British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command #MachineLearning #DataScience #AI Image: MOD Crown copyright

SGIS fully agrees with the great summary below, space is essential to our modern ways of life; at work, at play, and in Defence. Specialist Reserves provide deep technical expertise in a wide range of space related disciplines. British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command #NewSpace #Satellite

Is AI something to be afraid of in and of itself, or rather something that can fundamentally enhance the way we go about our business? Last year, the British Computer Society published an open letter calling for it to be recognised as 'a transformational force for good, not an existential threat to humanity. The Strategy & Architecture Community of Practice in SGIS has recently been looking at this through the prism of the Defence. In future posts we'll share some of our thoughts with you. In the meantime, we're always looking for talented IT professionals to join us and help us provide deep technical consultancy and thought leadership to Defence, so if you're interested, do get in touch! - and, we've just been recognised for our expertise at the National AI Awards, read more in the comments British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command - Royal Navy - Royal Air Force (RAF) - UK Space Command #AI #MachineLearning #DataScience #Defence

Software systems are ingrained within the modern Defence industry. They are increasingly complex, increasingly automated. Recent high-profile incidents have underscored the economic, human safety and reputational consequences of bugs making it into production systems. Testing software to a professional standard requires an appreciation of the interplay between people, technology and organisational culture. Questions an organisation may ask itself: - Are test teams suitably experienced and supported? Are they energised and motivated, or overworked and isolated? - Are humans a critical part of the testing process, or are they seen as replaceable by software (automation and AI tools)? - Is testing seen as an integral part of the entire software development process, or as an incidental activity that happens prior to release? - Are test teams empowered to use their intellect, critical thinking skills and domain knowledge to creatively and expertly exercise a system under test, or does testing tend towards a box ticking exercise augmented by bureaucratic processes and mandated tools? - Are outputs of the testing process encouraged and listened to? Do software testing teams have a voice which is respected and championed within the senior leadership team, or do undesired assessments tend to be ignored or punished? - Does the organisation have a coherently defined risk appetite that translates into the strategies and policies followed, and does the organisation actively mitigate against complacency? - Are written and verbal communications within the organisation clear, or ambiguously articulated? This includes the extent to which the organisation ensures vendors and third-party documents are interpretable. Software testing should primarily be a human intellectual activity, potentially assisted by tools. Test teams need to be suitably resourced, empowered, championed and supported. Image: MOD Crown copyright British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command - Royal Air Force (RAF) - Royal Navy #digitaltransformation #software

Specialist Reserves from SGIS attended this week's Defence in Space Conference in London. This was a fascinating event which highlighted the established position of Space as a strategic enabler across Defence. Our specialists are required to have a pro-active approach to their CPD, this ensures we add maximum value to Defence. British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command - Royal Air Force (RAF) - UK Space Command - Royal Navy #NewSpace

The World Economic Forum in collaboration with Frontiers recently presented their selection of top technologies for 2024. While the scope is broad, SGIS provides Defence with expertise in several of these subject matter areas: https://lnkd.in/eHCGaU45 Is there anything you would add to this list? Or which do you see as offering the most potential to Defence? British Army - The Royal Corps of Signals - Strategic Command

SGIS is delighted to congratulate Maj Gen Paul Tedman on his appointment as Commander of UK Space Command. SGIS has significant expertise in satellite communications and looks forward to supporting UK Space Command with our pool of expert Specialist Reserves. #newspace #satellitecommunications The Royal Corps of Signals - British Army - UK Space Command - Royal Air Force (RAF) https://lnkd.in/eCTxSSYD