The Cyber Statesman’s Post

The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Project Overmatch, is advancing its capabilities by integrating unmanned and autonomous platforms to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). In mid-2023, DIU partnered with the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, Pacific (NIWC PAC) to seek commercial solutions for building a Common Operational Database (COD) capable of supporting unmanned systems in disconnected, denied, intermittent, and limited bandwidth (DDIL) environments. This initiative aims to overcome technical challenges with edge computing to enable unified analysis and high-fidelity information processing directly within forward-deployed devices, ultimately advancing mission autonomy for NIWC PAC’s Project Overmatch goals. In January 2024, three vendors—Ditto, Syntiant, and HarperDB—were awarded prototype agreements for their innovative solutions that enhance COD's capabilities. These solutions have been successfully demonstrated through multiple test and evaluation exercises, showcasing their ability to operate in low SWAP (size, weight, and power) conditions, maintain data integrity in communications-denied environments, and integrate seamlessly with existing Fleet C2 systems. According to Navy Lieutenant Commander Al Williams, these advancements are set to significantly improve command and control in critical maritime environments, supporting the Navy’s mission to maintain freedom of navigation and collaboration with coalition partners. #navy #defenseinnovation #maritimesecurity #autonomoussystems #militarytechnology #commandandcontrol #edgecomputing #ai #innovation #partnerships Source- https://lnkd.in/g2nCiWQa

The Defense Department is preparing for the 12th chapter of its Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE), focusing on enhancing its Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) network. GIDE 12 aims to improve global integration, streamline joint kill chains, and advance data-sharing efforts among U.S. military services and international allies. The initiative will build upon last year’s minimum viable capability, which has already seen real-world use, and will emphasize Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, and Coalition Collaborative Planning capabilities. This effort is part of the Pentagon’s strategy to achieve a more connected, data-driven approach to decision-making in military operations. GIDE 12's goals include shifting from a regional to a global perspective in military collaboration, enhancing the coordination of integrated operations, and overcoming complex challenges in secure data sharing across allied forces. The upcoming experiment will test these expanded capabilities in a robust operational environment, aiming to achieve true global integration and readiness for real-world use. By leveraging advanced digital collaboration, the Pentagon seeks to outpace adversaries and potentially deter conflicts before they arise, according to Col. Matthew Strohmeyer, mission commander for GIDE 6 at the DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). #dod #gide12 #cjadc2 #militaryinnovation #globalsecurity #defensetechnology #jointoperations #datasharing #digitaltransformation #alliances Source- https://lnkd.in/gDNgkQfg

Microsoft is advancing its cloud computing capabilities with the launch of Azure Quantum, a full-stack solution that combines quantum computing with AI and high-performance computing to tackle complex scientific challenges. This new offering integrates quantum hardware from partners like Quantinuum and Atom Computing with Microsoft's software, error correction, and control tools, aiming to bridge the gap between classical and quantum computing. Azure Quantum employs logical qubits, which enhance accuracy by correcting errors caused by noise and external disturbances, setting the stage for more reliable quantum computations.With the debut of 12 high-fidelity logical qubits, Azure Quantum is the most advanced quantum cloud offering yet, aiming to scale up to 50 logical qubits for deeper and more complex computations. Leveraging unique quantum capabilities, such as enhanced qubit visualization and error correction, Microsoft’s Azure Quantum is poised to redefine problem-solving in fields like chemistry, physics, and life sciences. As experts in quantum information science highlight, this launch marks a pivotal step toward new hybrid quantum computing solutions, unlocking unprecedented potential for scientific discovery and innovation. #quantumcomputing #azurequantum #microsoft #cloudcomputing #artificialintelligence #logicalqubits #highperformancecomputing #innovation #scientificresearch #futureofcomputing Source- https://lnkd.in/g-A6DxUk

The U.S. Army has launched a generative AI capability within its cArmy cloud infrastructure, utilizing Ask Sage's platform powered by Microsoft's Azure OpenAI services. This innovative deployment allows Army personnel to securely access AI tools up to Impact Level 5, a classification for highly sensitive military information. The initiative marks a significant step in integrating cutting-edge AI technology into defense operations, with plans to start with 400 user accounts and eventually expand to enterprise-wide usage. Ask Sage's CEO, Nic Chaillan, emphasizes the potential for this technology to transform military applications, with other defense and civilian agencies expected to follow the Army's lead. This move aligns with the Army's broader strategy to harness AI for various operations, from daily activities to tactical missions. It follows a new directive issued by Army Chief Information Officer Leonel Garciga, which outlines guidelines for the development and use of AI models while addressing concerns around data privacy, security, and control. The Army's efforts are part of a larger modernization drive, exemplified by the rollout of cArmy 2.0, a cloud infrastructure upgrade designed to enhance automation, security, and overall functionality, further cementing the Army's position at the forefront of AI adoption in the Department of Defense. #usarmy #generativeai #cloudservices #microsoftazure #asksage #impactlevel5 #defenseinnovation #aiintegration #carmy #militarytech Source- https://lnkd.in/e959d2mM

The White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) has launched the "Service For America" hiring sprint to fill nearly 470,000 cyber jobs across the United States. This initiative, running through October, collaborates with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It aims to raise awareness about the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and broaden access to meaningful, well-paying jobs. The campaign focuses on removing barriers like degree requirements and promoting apprenticeships and entry-level roles to create more pathways for Americans to enter the cybersecurity field. This hiring push is part of the administration's broader efforts to strengthen the national cybersecurity workforce. The ONCD released a workforce-specific strategy last year, encouraging both public and private sectors to adopt best practices in hiring, such as eliminating unnecessary degree requirements. The initiative aligns with recent efforts to recruit AI professionals into government roles, highlighting the interconnectedness of cybersecurity and technology. The administration continues to advocate for legislative changes to streamline hiring and pay in cyber roles, with the goal of empowering more Americans to serve their nation in this critical area. #cybersecurity #hiring #jobopportunities #techjobs #workforce #cyberjobs #publicservice #careers #digitaldefense #employment Source- https://lnkd.in/gxqZhxMp

The CIA is rapidly advancing its integration of artificial intelligence within its cloud environment, leveraging its Commercial Cloud Enterprise (C2E) contract awarded to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Oracle. Larry Taxson, chief of CLOUDworks in the CIA's Directorate of Digital Innovation, emphasized the urgency of delivering modern AI capabilities to mission partners, while also acknowledging the challenges associated with the significant computing power required to support large language models (LLMs). CLOUDworks has focused on operationalizing C2E, bridging networks, accounting, and billing to enable mission users to access multiple cloud service providers across various domains. As the CIA works closely with its C2E partners to implement commercial LLMs in secure environments by early next year, the agency is carefully considering the scope and necessity of these emerging technologies. Taxson highlighted discussions around adopting more specialized models, such as small language models for niche topics, and evaluating the required hardware like GPUs or TPUs to support these efforts. The CIA aims to strike a balance between expanding capabilities and ensuring they are actively utilized, avoiding scenarios where resources remain dormant and underused. #ai #cloudcomputing #cia #intelligence #digitalsecurity #largelanguagemodels #cloudservices #cybersecurity #digitalinnovation #technologyintegration Source- https://lnkd.in/gDSAKrHf

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