Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) represent an increasingly exciting field of computer science. A term originally coined by John McCarthy in 1956,1 AI is becoming increasingly pervasive in today’s world. From internet search engines to applicant tracking software, humanity’s interaction with AI/ML intersects in complex and oftentimes unforeseen ways. For the men and women of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), this complex relationship is increasingly magnified by the problem sets we face, the solutions we seek, and the missions we perform.
Four years ago, DoD leadership recognized the limitless potential of AI/ML while acknowledging the need to establish ethical guardrails to contain wanton development of weaponized AI/ML systems. Addressing existing ethical ambiguities and future risks associated with AI use in defense applications, former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper accepted the Defense Innovation Board’s recommendations on ethical principles governing AI/ML development and application. Focusing on five core principles, the DoD requires that AI/ML capabilities developed for defense applications be responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, and governable. Read more…