The DOD’s Hidden Artificial Intelligence Workforce: Leveraging AI Talent at the U.S. Department of Defense

Abstract

This policy brief, authored in collaboration with the MITRE Corporation, provides a new perspective on the U.S. Department of Defense’s struggle to recruit and retain artificial intelligence talent. The authors find that the DOD already has a cadre of AI and related experts, but that this talent remains hidden. Better leveraging this talent could go a long way in meeting the DOD’s AI objectives. The authors argue that this can be done through policies that more effectively identify AI talent and assignment opportunities, processes that incentivize experimentation and changes in career paths, and investing in the necessary technological infrastructure.

The Race for U.S. Technical Talent

“…Given the DOD's more limited ability to effectively attract technical talent relative to other industry sectors, it should double down on investment in identifying, training, and leveraging the cadre of talent that the community already has, much of which is high quality and dedicated to the mission. 63 This includes investment in regular upskilling and training, to incentivize participation in skills-enhancing education and training and leverage and reward talent that demonstrates technical expertise. 64 Efforts should emphasize data, analytics, software, cyber, and AI-related skills, including technical product management.…”