Major Realignment in Pentagon’s AI Enterprise Announced
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) will now oversee the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO), following new guidance from Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg. This move aims to accelerate the adoption and deployment of AI technologies across the Department of Defense (DoD) and military operations.
Previously, the CDAO reported directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Feinberg’s memorandum emphasizes that this realignment will create a unified innovation engine capable of delivering AI superiority from research labs to the battlefield.
Objectives Behind the Realignment
- Unify AI strategy, development, and implementation under the department’s chief technology officer to speed up capability delivery.
- Ensure stronger integration between AI research, engineering, and operational deployment.
- Clarify long-term stewardship and funding for critical enterprise AI platforms.
- Simplify management and oversight while maintaining existing statutory duties.
Feinberg underscores that the change will not introduce extra bureaucratic layers or review processes. The goal is to make the DoD an AI-first enterprise, quickly incorporating advanced commercial AI technologies and leveraging data at scale to gain operational advantages.
Background on the CDAO
The CDAO was formed by merging several predecessor organizations, including the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), Defense Digital Service (DDS), and the Office of the Chief Data Officer, along with programs like Advana and Maven. Officially launched in late 2021 and fully operational by 2022, the office was initially created to centralize AI and data initiatives under then-Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.
Among its key achievements are the development of the online “Tradewind Solution Marketplace,” the Pentagon’s Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy, and the military’s initial minimum viable capability for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2).
Challenges and Oversight
The CDAO has faced scrutiny, including a Government Accountability Office report highlighting gaps in defining the DoD’s AI workforce. It is also under review by the Office of Inspector General. Internal dissatisfaction with leadership was reported in 2023 documents obtained by DefenseScoop, and recent months have seen a turnover of senior leaders and technical staff amid questions about the office’s future under the current administration.
Implementation Timeline and Next Steps
Deputy Secretary Feinberg has set clear deadlines for the reorganization:
- Within 60 days: USD(R&E) must deliver a comprehensive DoD AI Strategy aligned with the National AI Action Plan. This strategy should define measurable outcomes, launch projects with accountable leaders, and integrate with requirements and resourcing.
- Within 120 days: USD(R&E) must recommend updates to the CDAO’s Chartering Directive and provide a roadmap for Advana and Maven Smart Systems, detailing stewardship models, transition plans, costs, authorities, and milestones for full operational capability.
The CDAO will support these efforts by providing necessary data, cost estimates, and workforce information. Additionally, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment will contribute expertise on acquisition and lifecycle sustainment to support platform transition analysis.
Feinberg stressed that all actions must accelerate, not impede, the fielding of AI capabilities. Monthly progress updates will be provided to him by USD(R&E).
Why This Matters
With AI prioritized at the highest levels of government, this realignment reflects the DoD’s commitment to integrating AI technologies more effectively and efficiently. It aims to ensure AI initiatives are strategically coordinated and resourced for maximum impact on defense operations.
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