Does Pentagon need an overarching AI acquisition plan? A key official is wary
Margaret Palmieri, the deputy chief digital and AI officer (CDAO) at the Pentagon, expressed caution about the need for a department-wide AI acquisition plan. Palmieri emphasized the importance of innovation happening at the edge due to the diverse and distributed nature of the department. While the Government Accountability Office recommended developing a department-wide strategy, Palmieri stated that the CDAO is not yet ready for blanket policy guidance and is focused on accelerating AI adoption through existing core acquisition vehicles.
Palmieri also highlighted the potential downsides of generative AI, specifically the issue of "hallucinations," which she considers a significant problem for the Department of Defense (DoD). She emphasized the need to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI systems and to train users accordingly. Palmieri's concerns align with those expressed by retired Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and his successor, retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael Groen, who also cautioned against the risks of generative AI and advocated for cautious experimentation.