As the first-ever chief data officer at the U.S. Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, David Spirk Jr. is tasked with managing the high expectations of the Tampa, Florida-based organization. He is now celebrating his one-year anniversary on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a May speech, Gen. Richard Clarke Clarke, the new head of SOCOM, described how machine learning and AI can provide operators with tactical advantages by increasing situational awareness, reducing cognitive loads and improving the decision-making process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are new, innovative ways to bring this reality to the forefront,\u201d Spirk told C4ISRNET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most relevant SOCOM programs that could significantly benefit from machine learning and AI is the Hyper Enabled Operator concept. HEO replaces the five-year Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe HEO concept is one of the most important things SOCOM can be doing right now,\u201d Spirk said. \u201cThe only way we have HEO in the future is if we can reduce the cognitive load of that operator and his ability to command his resources at his disposal through automation and applied AI.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, machine learning and AI could help to process, exploit and disseminate data from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Such an advantage could come in the form of new displays available to operators in the field. That technology could also improve automation at tactical operation centers, in turn providing special operations forces with mission-specific predictions, Spirk noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before joining SOCOM, Spirk worked with the Department of Defense\u2019s Project Maven program, which was started in April 2017 to design computer-vision algorithms for the processing, exploitation and dissemination of full-motion video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The command is working to exploit machine learning and AI technologies across an increasingly complex operating environment, and Spirk emphasized SOCOM\u2019s mission to adhere to special operations forces\u2019 AI principles: grow the discipline, find a purpose-driven application and make it the norm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQuick wins are demanded,\u201d Spirk said. SOCOM\u2019s Command Data Office completed its first program review July 24 \u2014 an event Clarke attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previous leaders also gave him \u201cexplicit guidance to go faster and deeper while responsibly challenging legacy policies or processes that get in the way of our progress,\u201d Spirk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such a strategy, he warned, is dependent upon cooperation across SOCOM; the Command Data Office in particular is tasked with identifying the most optimal means of creating an AI-ready workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGenerating a new workforce to execute these concepts is important, providing a conduit to the force with individuals in our formation having begun learning about AI and data science to actualize it,\u201d Spirk said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He highlighted the critical nature of using special operations forces to identify \u201creally creative ways to use technology which already exists today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about understanding which computer capabilities won\u2019t take an algorithm and which workflows might benefit from AI,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, Spirk is overseeing a series of projects aligned against Clarke\u2019s applied AI focus areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are talking about starting small with big intent. Take that bite, and once we show the art of the possible, stretch that win across the whole workflow,\u201d Spirk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In September, SOCOM will hold its inaugural AI symposium to create a road map to build a sustainable AI portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a huge opportunity to begin collecting operator responses while they\u2019re under the headset, and to take the last 10 years of combat experience and make it structured, make it explicit to know exactly how operators are going to be acting in that environment,\u201d Spirk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To this end, the Command Data Office will receive support from the forthcoming Data Engineering Laboratory co-located with the SOFWERX innovation in Ybor City, a neighborhood in Tampa; as well as staffers from the JAIC and the Defense Digital Service. The symposium will also consider how machine learning and AI can support SOCOM\u2019s component commands, as well as theater special operations commands, Spirk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will prioritize SOF activities and resources, and challenge inhibiting practices to aid the development of a data-driven force of the future with purpose-driven applications,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spirk reaffirmed Clarke\u2019s priorities to compete and win for the nation, preserve and grow readiness, innovate for future threats, advance partnerships, and strengthen the force.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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