DoD has not assigned responsibility to the organizations necessary to define and identify its AI workforce, GAO said. Image: Casimiro PT/Shutterstock.com
The Defense Department “has taken steps to begin to identify its artificial intelligence workforce” but still lacks a grasp on that workforce, which it is relying on for integrating AI in areas such as analyzing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data and operating lethal autonomous weapon systems, says a GAO report.
DoD has identified some military and civilian occupations, such as computer scientists, that conduct AI work and has identified specialized sets of tasks and functions requiring specific knowledge, skills, and abilities in that area, the GAO said.
“However, DoD has not assigned responsibility to the organizations necessary to complete the additional steps required to define and identify its AI workforce, such as coding the work roles in various workforce data systems, developing a qualification program, and updating workforce guidance. DoD also does not have a timeline for completing these additional steps,” it said.
Further, DoD’s human capital operating plan does not consistently address the human capital implementation actions for AI workforce issues described in its strategic plan, and the department “uses inconsistent terms when addressing AI workforce issues, which could hinder a shared understanding within DoD.”
It said that leaves DoD unable to answer important questions such as who should be included or excluded from a definition of an AI worker, which positions require AI skills, what is the current state of the AI workforce and what are the future needs.
It said the department generally agreed with recommendations to assign responsibility and establish a timeline for completing the additional steps to define and identify its AI workforce; and update its human capital operating plan to be consistent with key department strategic documents related to AI workforce issues.
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