{"id":12362,"date":"2019-09-27T16:24:20","date_gmt":"2019-09-27T16:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/uncategorized\/2019\/09\/27\/socom-ramps-up-efforts-to-develop-cutting-edge-data-techniques-opens-new-data-engineering-lab\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T05:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T05:40:18","slug":"socom-ramps-up-efforts-to-develop-cutting-edge-data-techniques-opens-new-data-engineering-lab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/artificial-intelligence\/2019\/09\/27\/socom-ramps-up-efforts-to-develop-cutting-edge-data-techniques-opens-new-data-engineering-lab\/","title":{"rendered":"SOCOM ramps up efforts to develop \u2018cutting-edge data techniques,\u2019 opens new data engineering lab"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

U.S. Special Operations Command<\/a> is ramping up its efforts to develop \u201ccutting-edge data techniques\u201d like artificial intelligence to boost readiness and minimize costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of that initiative, the command unveiled its new Data Engineering Lab located at the SOFWERX facility in Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday. SOFWERX was established under a partnership intermediary agreement with SOCOM and DEFENSEWERX, formerly known as the Doolittle Institute, to help address war fighter problems for the command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lab was designed to cultivate AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation \u2014 all to boost the performance and strength of special operations forces, SOCOM spokeswoman Army Maj. Jennifer Bocanegra told the Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe DEL is modeled off of leading technology companies, where DoD partners, industry thought leaders, academia and Special Operations Forces collaborate to develop, test and employ new technical approaches to modernize warfighting decision making,\u201d Bocanegra said in an email to the Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Already, several projects are underway at the DEL, according to Bocanegra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with the Pentagon\u2019s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the DEL is working on a project supporting the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment based at Fort Campbell in Kentucky to use AI and machine learning technology to help predict and prevent key mechanical issues, and to enhance the effectiveness of aircraft maintenance, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis project is in its early stages, but initial data collection, analysis and use of results have resulted in a significant increase in readiness, at cost savings,\u201d Bocanegra said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the lab was held on Wednesday, and included remarks from SOCOM commander, Army Gen. Richard Clarke and SOCOM Chief Data Officer David Spirk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spirk joined SOCOM in 2018, after working with the Department of Defense\u2019s Project Maven Program that launched in April 2017. The artificial intelligence program is designed to use machine learning and artificial intelligence to process full-motion video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new lab comes as SOCOM is composing a new artificial intelligence and machine learning strategy as part of its program objective memorandum for fiscal years 2022 to 2026. At the time, Spirk said Special Operations Forces components would start crafting the strategy starting in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to start the crafting of a real roadmap,\u201d he said at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in May, according to National Defense<\/a>. \u201cThis will help the command…talk about the investments we need to make and the resources that we\u2019re going to need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEL will be overseen by SOCOM\u2019s Data Office, but will be housed in SOFWERX\u2019s facility in Tampa\u2019s Ybor City. SOFWERX and the new data lab will both address solutions for special operator needs, Bocanegra said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing co-located provides opportunities for the DEL and SOFWERX to collaborate on future challenges for the Special Operations community,\u201d Bocanegra said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SOCOM's Data Engineering Lab grand opening took place in Ybor City in Tampa yesterday. The DEL is specifically designed to develop and leverage cutting edge data techniques, including AI & machine learning, to enhance SOF effectiveness and capabilities… pic.twitter.com\/cPeDaw9GVT<\/a><\/p>— USSOCOM (@USSOCOM) September 26, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote>