The Cyber Statesman’s Post

The III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Okinawa, Japan, will soon begin experimenting with a new autonomous low-profile vessel (ALPV), a semi-submersible unmanned platform designed to enhance the Marine Corps' ability to operate in contested environments, especially against advanced adversaries like China. Developed through the Pentagon’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Research (RDER) initiative, the ALPV aims to keep troops out of harm's way by autonomously handling high-risk missions such as resupplying Marines in dangerous areas. As Brig. Gen. Simon Doran explained, the technology is "risk-worthy" because it allows for logistical maneuvers without endangering personnel. While inspired by the design of vessels used by drug traffickers, the 55-foot-long ALPV is fully autonomous and can travel hundreds or thousands of miles carrying weapon systems, fuel, food, or other supplies. The technology has already been tested at events like Project Convergence and demonstrated impressive capabilities, such as remote operation from across the globe. However, safety concerns remain, as the Marines continue to refine their confidence in deploying these vessels without human oversight. As the III MEF prepares to receive the ALPV later this fall, further experimentation will be crucial to ensure the integration of such unmanned technologies into the U.S. military’s future operations. #marines #autonomousvessels #militaryinnovation #defensetech #unmannedplatforms #iiiMEF #IndoPacific #militarylogistics #defenseready #futurewarfare Source- https://lnkd.in/gsi-Ysgd

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is preparing to launch the largest data-labeling initiative ever proposed by the U.S. government, worth over $700 million. This effort aims to support the training of AI-powered computer vision models to better recognize objects and interpret satellite imagery. Announced by NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, the initiative represents a significant investment in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the nation's geospatial intelligence capabilities. The data-labeling project is part of NGA’s broader strategy to manage the increasing volumes of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) data and improve AI's ability to derive insights from this flood of information. Additionally, NGA has launched a pilot program called the Accreditation of GEOINT AI Models (A-GAIM) to ensure the responsible use and reliability of AI models within the agency. The program establishes a standardized framework for evaluating AI performance, promotes trustworthiness, and accelerates AI adoption and interoperability. Described as a "pathfinder" for the Department of Defense and the broader intelligence community, A-GAIM aims to maintain human oversight and prevent any fears of AI overreach. Whitworth reaffirmed NGA’s commitment to timely intelligence distribution, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration across the Defense Department, intelligence community, and allied agencies through initiatives like the Joint Mission Management Center (JMMC). #ai #machinelearning #geospatialintelligence #datalabeling #artificialintelligence #computerVision #defensetech #governmentcontracts #satelliteimagery #intelligencedata Source- https://lnkd.in/gT3p8EX6

The Department of Defense's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) has launched a new challenge to industry, seeking innovative solutions for contested logistics and sustainment to enhance collaboration across combatant commands and international allies. Partnering with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Joint Fires Network, and the Defense Innovation Unit, this initiative aims to leverage the defense industrial base to meet the evolving needs of warfighters. Vendors are invited to propose solutions that could revolutionize Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) by rapidly applying cutting-edge technologies to real-time military operations. This challenge follows the recent adoption of the Open DAGIR framework, designed to make government data more accessible and streamline the acquisition of digital capabilities. By creating a multi-vendor ecosystem, Open DAGIR supports the integration of data platforms, tools, services, and applications while ensuring industry retains intellectual property rights and the government maintains data ownership. The new initiative, impacting all combatant commands, is set to accelerate the deployment of industry solutions through a unified global integration platform, with real-time feedback from warfighters. Interested vendors have until September 6 to submit their proposals. #dod #cdao #artificialintelligence #logistics #sustainment #militaryinnovation #opendagir #defenseindustry #digitaltransformation #nationaldefense Source- https://lnkd.in/eQ3cdjFg

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has appointed David Gaston, its assistant general counsel and branch chief of eLitigation, as its new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Unlike other agencies that have appointed technical experts like chief data officers, Gaston brings a unique perspective as a lawyer with a background in information governance, technology policy, and digital evidence. His appointment comes at a time when federal agencies are bolstering their AI leadership teams to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and address concerns raised by unions and labor groups about the technology's impact on the workforce. This new role reflects the Biden administration's commitment to creating a federal regulatory framework for AI following the recent executive order on the matter. As Chief AI Officer, Gaston will ensure the NLRB adheres to federal AI directives and manages associated risks. This appointment is part of a broader trend, with agencies like the National Science Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Housing and Urban Development naming their own AI leaders to oversee sensitive AI applications and guide their integration into agency operations. #artificialintelligence #leadership #government #nlrb #technology #aiethics #laborrelations #federalpolicy #digitaltransformation #aigovernance Source- https://lnkd.in/gcxk3TDd

Two major AI providers, Anthropic and OpenAI, have signed groundbreaking agreements with the U.S. AI Safety Institute, a part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, to collaborate on research, testing, and evaluation of their AI models. These "first-of-their-kind" memorandums of understanding will allow the institute access to the companies’ models both before and after public release, enabling deeper collaboration on risk mitigation and safety evaluations. This marks a significant step in fostering government-industry partnerships to advance AI safety, following the Biden administration's earlier voluntary safety commitments with 16 AI companies. The U.S. AI Safety Institute will also work alongside the U.K. AI Safety Institute to harmonize safety standards and testing approaches for AI systems. This collaboration aims to enhance the responsible development of AI technologies globally. Jack Clark, co-founder and head of policy at Anthropic, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advancing safe and trustworthy AI, setting new benchmarks for the industry. Such initiatives represent a proactive effort to ensure that AI developments are not only innovative but also safe and aligned with public interest. #ai #artificialintelligence #aitechnology #aisafety #governmentpartnerships #aipolicy #techinnovation #riskmitigation #usukcollaboration #openscience Source- https://lnkd.in/eEnMcWR4

A recent survey by OPEXUS reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) bots are flooding government open records offices with excessive and often frivolous FOIA requests, overwhelming already strained resources. The report highlights that while FOIA officers are dealing with a 6% decrease in personnel, the volume and complexity of requests continue to rise, leading to a federal backlog of over 200,000 open petitions. Almost all participants at a recent OPEXUS FOIA Officers Roundtable reported facing "crippling" levels of bot-generated requests, creating a significant challenge for agencies to manage their workloads efficiently. Despite these challenges, the survey also points to AI as a potential solution for improving the document disclosure process. An overwhelming 93% of federal FOIA officers believe that AI can play a pivotal role in reviewing, sorting, and deduplicating requests, ultimately reducing backlogs and improving response times. However, for AI to be effective, FOIA professionals stress the need for increased staffing and investment in technology training. The findings suggest that a combination of better tools, training, and more personnel is essential for agencies to manage the growing demands of the FOIA process effectively. #freedomofinformation #foia #artificialintelligence #govtech #publicrecords #datamanagement #aiinnovation #digitaltransformation #government #opengovernment Source- https://lnkd.in/gwuW3xUN

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is actively seeking generative AI tools to revolutionize the U.S. military’s joint planning and wargaming processes. Through its Thunderforge initiative, DIU aims to harness AI's potential to streamline and enhance complex operational planning. This effort addresses the need to process vast amounts of data from diverse sources rapidly, allowing human planners to generate and refine options more efficiently under tight time constraints. The technology sought will augment human decision-making by automating wargaming, generating comparative analyses of various courses of action, and producing draft operational plans, all while maintaining critical human oversight. The solicitation highlights DIU's commitment to cutting through traditional bureaucratic red tape by leveraging commercial solutions and other transaction authorities. Contractors with experience in classified networks and those with solutions already deployed in high-security environments will have a competitive edge. The initiative underscores the Pentagon's broader interest in using generative AI to enhance military decision-making, with leaders across different branches, including the Army and Air Force, recognizing AI's potential to transform wargaming and strategic planning. Responses to this groundbreaking solicitation are due by September 6th, signaling a rapid push toward integrating AI into national defense strategies. #generativeai #defenseinnovation #militarytech #wargaming #jointplanning #aiinmilitary #defensetech #thunderforge #aipowered #dodai Source- https://lnkd.in/eUpkJFH

The 101st Airborne Division’s Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company (MFRC) is pioneering the future of warfare by testing cutting-edge technology in realistic combat scenarios. During a recent exercise, the MFRC demonstrated its advanced capabilities, such as commercial drones, electronic warfare tools, and AI-driven targeting systems, against a simulated enemy. These innovations allow for quicker and more effective responses, reducing the time it takes to neutralize threats from minutes to mere seconds. The MFRC’s focus on integrating new technology in real-world conditions exemplifies the Army’s "transforming-in-contact" strategy, aimed at rapidly deploying and refining advanced tech on the battlefield. Despite the promise of this new approach, the exercise highlighted several challenges, including equipment glitches and the need for soldiers to master complex systems under intense conditions. The MFRC’s experience underscores the Army’s commitment to staying ahead of potential adversaries by continuously evolving its tactics and tools. As the unit continues to refine its operations, it sets a new standard for modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of technology in reducing risks and enhancing combat effectiveness. #militarytechnology #dronetech #armyequipment #defenseinnovation #combattraining #reconnaissance #modernwarfare #militarystrategy #techtesting #futureofwarfare Source- https://lnkd.in/eD8xzbwW

The Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing the nation’s power grid to meet the growing energy demands driven by artificial intelligence (AI) systems with a newly launched digital resource hub. The Electricity Demand Growth Resource Hub, unveiled last Friday, provides grid owners with the latest studies and recommendations from the DOE to address the dual challenge of grid decarbonization and supporting AI applications. As the U.S. experiences a manufacturing renaissance and expands industries like data centers and AI, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the administration's commitment to clean energy, projecting record amounts of carbon-free power under the Investing in America agenda. The Resource Hub not only offers valuable guidance for maintaining affordability amidst increasing load operations but also highlights upcoming events for grid operators to learn about sustainable practices in the AI era. With AI applications expected to drive electricity demand, potentially requiring an additional 14 gigawatts of power by 2030, this initiative underscores the DOE’s dedication to ensuring a reliable and green energy infrastructure. The DOE's efforts align with the broader goal of achieving a net-zero energy economy by 2050, including a new procurement initiative to promote the adoption of green energy in government contracts. #energy #ai #sustainability #powergrid #cleanenergy #decarbonization #technology #gridinnovation #renewableenergy #greenenergy Source- https://lnkd.in/gwkP4mEc

The U.S. Army is rethinking its approach to electronic warfare (EW) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) by separating its previously integrated Terrestrial Layer System-Brigade Combat Team (TLS-BCT) into two distinct systems. This shift comes after operational demonstrations revealed that combining EW and SIGINT on a single platform did not deliver the anticipated efficiencies. The new strategy will allow for more specialized, flexible operations at different echelons, with SIGINT focused on higher levels such as divisions and corps, while EW will be tailored for quicker, more agile use by smaller units. This change aims to enhance the Army's multi-domain operations, especially in response to the rapid pace of modern conflicts like those seen in Ukraine. To achieve this, the Army is exploring commercial and government-owned solutions that can be adapted for their needs, focusing on leveraging existing technologies rather than developing new, custom systems. This includes using commercial sensors and incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning for real-time signal classification and reprogramming. The Army plans to finalize this new architecture by 2025, with prototypes expected in 2026. The goal is to create a scalable and flexible system that meets the distinct requirements of different echelons, ensuring the Army can maintain its edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic warfare and intelligence. #armyneeds #militaryinnovation #electronicwarfare #signalsintelligence #defensetechnology #multidomainoperations #cyberwarfare #militarytech #defenseindustry #armyunified Source- https://lnkd.in/gCZPk-YJ