Legislation targets Defense Department’s AI capacity

Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), co-founders of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, have introduced legislation designed to bolster the Department of Defense’s (DoD) artificial intelligence (AI) capacity by increasing the department’s cyber professionals.

The Artificial Intelligence for the Armed Forces Act would, among other actions, require the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center to report directly to the Secretary of Defense; ensure the Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is three-star equivalent; require the Secretary of Defense to develop a training and certification program to better enable DoD’s human resources workforce to bring AI and cyber professionals into the Department; and requires the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance on how the Department can better use existing direct-hire authority to onboard AI professionals.

“The American military should utilize every tool available, including artificial intelligence, to carry out its mission,” Portman said. “The National Security Commission on AI has done great work researching how to make the United States more competitive and capable when it comes to AI. But their work is only half the battle. This legislation builds on the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the AI capabilities of our military by enabling the increased hiring of AI and cyber professionals.”

Heinrich said there is a clear need to ensure the Department of Defense has the leadership and workforce needed to excel in AI.

“We must make sure DoD is using the tools at their disposal to recruit the next generation of AI professionals and give them the authority they need to hire experts in the field,” he said. “I am proud to join Sen. Portman in this bipartisan effort to enhance DoD’s AI capabilities.”