How Can the US Department of Defense Catch Up With the CCP Within 6 Months?

January 2022 No Comments

Speaker(s): Chaillan, N. (Chief Technology Officer, Prevent Breach & Former Air Force and Space Force Chief Software Officer [CSO])

Date: 2 February 2022

Speaker Session Summary

SMA hosted a speaker session with Mr. Nicolas Chaillan (Chief Technology Officer, Prevent Breach & Former Air Force and Space Force Chief Software Officer) as part of its SMA NDU (INSS/PRISM) Speaker Series.

The US is falling behind China—its main geopolitical rival—in the development of new and innovative software and artificial intelligence (AI). This is especially concerning for the US DoD, because AI will influence the future of warfare. Mr. Chaillan commented that in the future missiles that use AI will likely only be countered with defense systems that also uses AI. He emphasized that if the US does not begin to change some of its institution practices and adopt new policies, it will not catch up to its rivals. Also, the way innovation occurs has changed. Innovation is shifting from hardware to software, which can be used to update older models of weapons and technology. This innovation is mostly occurring in the private sector. While the presentation focused on China, Mr. Chaillan also mentioned Russia and North Korea as US-adversaries who incorporate AI into their military operations.

By innovating its software and altering some of its practices, the DoD will be able to create faster and more cost-effective programs and missions. This in turn will help improve the morale of DoD employees. Mr. Chaillan commented that increasing the morale of its employees for the DoD is an important objective, because the loss of talent and qualified personnel is a persistent issue. He stated that for the US to catch up with China and its other adversaries in AI technologies it should follow five pillars. These pillars are: a) embrace failing and adapting, b) invest in talent, c) set up a joint enterprise IT office, d) enable cross sector information sharing between the private and public sectors, and e) increase transparency and accountability. By increasing the transparency and accountability of its actions, the DoD can encourage more private companies to work with it. Also, the DoD will ultimately need to focus more on the qualifications and backgrounds of those it puts in charge of incorporating AI rather than their current military rank. 

Speaker Session Recording

Briefing Materials

Comments

Submit A Comment