AFCEA AUGUSTA 2023 — Army cyber leaders are interested in leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for future operations. However, they are approaching this with caution, keeping in mind that it may take time before AI can truly make a significant difference. During a press conference at the AFCEA TechNet Augusta conference on August 17, officials shared that the service is actively exploring how AI can be utilized in offensive operations against its own networks. Additionally, service coders are investigating how AI can benefit them. Major General Paul Stanton, commander of the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE), explained that the aim is not to develop individuals who can write code, but rather individuals who understand that AI relies on the aggregation of extensive data. The cyber workforce, in coordination with Army Cyber Command, is considering how to build confidence in externally derived datasets used for AI algorithms. Stanton emphasized the importance of understanding the confidence level in different data sets that were not generated internally. Currently, the CCoE is conducting a pilot program with Army Futures Command to explore how large language models can support doctrine-based research. The goal is to allow soldiers to ask questions resembling those posed to ChatGPT. For instance, if a soldier wants to know how to execute a doctrinally correct wet gap crossing, the large language model will provide an informed response based on a thorough survey of the doctrine. Stanton clarified that the Army is actively participating in these developments rather than passively observing. As part of their commitment to staying abreast, Lt. Gen. Milford Beagle from the Combined Arms Center has assigned at least one member from each center of excellence to attend a week-long course on data literacy, including an introduction to AI.

Stanton emphasized that these individuals will not be writing code, but they will develop a fundamental understanding of how AI operates. However, the Army is cautious not to overestimate the immediate impact of emerging technologies like AI. Todd Boudreau, cyber school deputy commandant, mentioned that capabilities are often overestimated in the short term (three to five years) but underestimated in the long term (10 to 15 years). Boudreau believes it is crucial to comprehend the current state of AI, machine learning, and how they are increasingly utilized by different communities. In its pursuit to catch up to China in the AI race, the Army is exploring the concept of an AI "bill of materials" (AI BOM) to enhance its adoption of third-party algorithms. Young Bang, earlier in the week, assigned the industry the task of developing an AI BOM for the Army. Simultaneously, the Army is preparing for future battlefields that will be dominated by electronic warfare (EW). Stanton emphasized that every soldier in the service needs to understand the impact of EW. To address this, the CCoE is conducting a pilot program with the Maneuver Center of Excellence, infantry, and armor school. These programs expose students to the effects of jamming and geolocation through the electromagnetic spectrum to better understand these aspects during their schooling. The intention is to expand this initiative to the entire Army's professional education with plans to involve other centers of excellence in the future. Boudreau stated that the "big pivot" now is to focus on counter EW measures and emissions control. Lessons learned from Combat Training Center rotations and observations in the current world indicate that if an organization or unit experiences an electromagnetic attack, it means that the adversary has identified, located, and targeted them. Boudreau emphasized the importance of countering such attacks to preserve one's forces.