Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of science fiction—it is a force multiplier shaping the modern battlefield and redefining global security. From Alan Turing’s groundbreaking work in the 1950s to cutting-edge advancements like Google’s Gemini 1.5 in 2024, AI has rapidly evolved into a strategic asset. These milestones have propelled AI from theory to mission-critical applications, transforming industries and revolutionizing military operations. This month, we dive into the Department of Defense’s (DoD) AI initiatives in 2025 and beyond.
AI in the DoDs
For over 60 years, the DoD has invested in AI, focusing on research, development, and integration. Today, the emphasis has shifted toward scaling these technologies across the entire DoD network. The establishment of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) in 2022 marked a significant step forward. This office ensures the DoD takes an enterprise-wide approach to digital and AI technologies, aligning efforts with strategic objectives and ethical principles.
The CDAO’s creation underscores the DoD’s commitment to leveraging AI to maintain a competitive edge and enhance national security. By streamlining processes, improving data quality, and accelerating innovation, the DoD aims to integrate AI into all branches effectively.
The 2023 Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy
In November 2023, the Deputy Secretary of Defense released the 2023 DoD Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy. Developed by the CDAO, this strategy unifies previous guidance to enable stronger alignment and scaling of AI technologies across the DoD. Its goal is to empower leaders and warfighters to make informed decisions quickly by leveraging high-quality data, advanced analytics, and AI.
Central to this strategy is the DoD AI Hierarchy of Needs. This prioritizes trusted, high-quality data as the foundation, insightful analytics for decision-making, and responsible AI aligned with ethical principles, supported by enablers like digital talent management.
AI RAPID CAPABILITIES CELL: ACCELERATING ADOPTION
In December 2024, the CDAO launched the Artificial Intelligence Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC) to fast-track AI adoption across the DoD. Partnering with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the AI RCC initiated four Frontier AI pilots, applying generative AI to warfighting and enterprise management use cases. These efforts aim to equip warfighters and enablers with cutting-edge AI capabilities in real-time.
Strategic Objectives and Investments
The AI RCC’s mission includes scaling generative AI tools across 15 key use cases, such as:
- Warfighting: Command and Control (C2) and decision support, operational planning, logistics, weapons development and testing, uncrewed and autonomous systems, intelligence activities, information operations, and cyber operations
- Enterprise management: financial systems, human resources, enterprise logistics and supply chain, health care information management, legal analysis and compliance, procurement processes, and software development and cyber security
$100M is allocated across FY 2024 and FY 2025 to accelerate the above AI efforts.
- $35M for Frontier AI Pilots: Funding will support four 90-day pilot efforts, focusing on warfighting and enterprise management use cases, demonstrating the real-time impact of GenAI in improving effectiveness and efficiency across the DoD.
- $20M for Compute and AI Sandboxes: Digital sandboxes will enable AI testing and experimentation on government networks. Launching in early 2025, these cloud-based environments will facilitate development, fine-tuning, and testing of frontier AI models.
- $5M for User-Centric Experimentation: Through the Global Information Dominance Experiment (GIDE), warfighters across combatant commands will test frontier AI models in real-world scenarios, providing direct feedback to developers.
- $40M for Innovative GenAI Solutions: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding will support non-traditional and small businesses in creating GenAI applications for critical missions like operational planning and logistics.
A Focus on National Security
As global adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran accelerate their AI capabilities, the DoD’s initiatives are critical for maintaining a technological edge. Dr. Radha Plumb, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, highlighted the importance of innovation, stating, “The United States’ decisive and enduring advantage lies in the innovation that’s inherent in the commercial sector and the department’s ability to incorporate that into our critical missions.”
DIU Director Doug Beck added, “The result will help us scale the tech faster and more reliably and will also help change the way the department thinks about software development and delivery tempo for the future.”
PERFORMANCE DEFENSE’S COMMITMENT TO AI
At Performance Defense, we recognize the transformative potential of AI and are committed to helping our customers navigate its complexities. From enterprise solutions to defense applications, we strive to lead the charge in leveraging AI to drive innovation and success. As the DoD’s AI initiatives unfold, we are proud to support these efforts and contribute to a more secure and technologically advanced future. Contact us here to learn more.
