The U.S. Army recently created a career pathway for officers to specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) as an official area of concentration.
“This is a deliberate and crucial step in keeping pace with present and future operational requirements,” Lt. Col. Orlandon Howard, U.S. Army spokesperson, said. “We’re building a dedicated cadre of in-house experts who will be at the forefront of integrating AI and machine learning across our warfighting functions.”
The pathway, 49B AI/ML Officer, will have full implementation in phases. Starting this month, officers will be selected through the Army’s Volunteer Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP). By the end of the year, the officers will be reclassified.
The pathway advances the Army’s ongoing transformation into a data-centric and AI-enabled force. All officers eligible for the VTIP will be eligible. Officers with advanced academic and technical backgrounds in fields related to AI/ML will be strong candidates.
Selected officers will undergo graduate-level training and gain hands-on experience in building, deploying and maintaining the Army’s cutting-edge AI-enabled systems with the goal of operationalizing advanced capabilities across the range of military operations.
Specialists will apply their skills in a wide range of applications including accelerating battlefield decision-making, streamlining logistics, and supporting robotics and autonomous systems.