AI Implementation and Challenges in the Department of Defense

The chapter explores the progress and obstacles of AI adoption within the Department of Defense, focusing on the technical foundations, private sector innovation, federal investment, and crucial elements for successful implementation such as data, infrastructure, and optimized acquisition pathways. It discusses the role of the Chief Digital and AI Officer (CDAO) in enabling policies, scaling enterprise platforms, and investing in targeted capabilities to accelerate AI adoption and address critical gaps efficiently. The chapter also highlights initiatives like SunNet, Alpha One, and funding for Foundational Enablers and AIML Scaffolding to provide infrastructure, labeled data, and AI capabilities, emphasizing an experimentation-based approach and the concept of a data mesh within the department.