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Army Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Initiatives

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

What is it?

The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning Workshop is nested with learning initiatives across the Army and DOD. The goal of this initiative is to accelerate the delivery of AI enabled capabilities. USASOC will look at how AI and machine learning capabilities can empower its Soldiers for integrated operations in the physical, virtual, and cognitive realms.

USASOC’s interest is motivated by the new ARSOF Vision to “relentlessly pursue competitive advantages.” It is also informed by collaborative work with the U.S. Army’s Unified Quest (UQ) Artificial Intelligence line of effort, the Mad Scientists Initiative and the ARSOF Operating Concept.

What has the Army done/is doing?

The Army is determining how to operationalize AI in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and to enable its Soldiers through its Unified Quest 2019 Artificial Intelligence line of effort. To reinforce the Army’s exploration, USASOC’s G9 directorate will host an AI workshop on Oct. 30-31, 2018 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

AI initiatives like UQ19 and USASOC’s workshop supports the National Defense Strategy and the Army’s six modernization priorities by pursuing advances in “computing, ‘big data’ analytics, artificial intelligence, autonomy, robotics, directed energy, hypersonics, and biotechnology.”

The required capabilities from the ARSOF Operating Concept an Empowered ARSOF Soldier, Integrated Unit, and Institutional Agility are aligned with the Army Vision to “win … in a joint, multi-domain, high intensity conflict while simultaneously deterring others and maintaining its ability to conduct irregular warfare.”

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army’s UQ19 effort will continue through May 2019 with a Deep Future Wargame and an Artificial Intelligence Seminar. USASOC’s AI workshop will give both the Army and USASOC better insights into how they can accelerate development initiatives. USASOC is using its workshop to seek four key outcomes:

  • (1) Identify game changing technologies and/or leap-ahead material solutions.
  • (2) Foster innovation.
  • (3) Deliver actionable outcomes that align with science and technology investment areas.
  • (4) Continue to advance USASOC’s upstream Force Modernization Campaign.

Why is this important to the Army?

Integrating USASOC’s AI initiatives with the Army’s Multi Domain Operations effort will ensure that the Army can leverage adaptive and innovative institutions, empowered Soldiers, and integrated units capable of delivering unmatched special operations capabilities.

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Events

NOVEMBER 2018

National Native American Heritage Month: Visit- Army.mil: American Indians in the U.S. Army

Military Family Month: Visit Army.mil: Army Families

Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Focus Quote for the Day

ARSOF will be globally postured and ready to compete, respond, fight, and win against adversaries across the range of military operations, anytime and anywhere, as part of a joint force.

- Lt. Gen. Francis M. Beaudette, commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command

Army Special Operations Forces Vision