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Advanced / Transformational Technology

Artificial Intelligence Top Technology Priority for SECDEF Nominee Esper

By Vivienne Machi

Wednesday, July 17th, 2019

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Artificial Intelligence Top Technology Priority for SECDEF Nominee Esper

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper (DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith)

Army Secretary Mark Esper made it clear to the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) July 16 that he would prioritize artificial intelligence technology development should he be confirmed as the next secretary of defense. “Different people put different things at number one; for me, it’s artificial intelligence,” he said during his confirmation hearing in response to a question from SASC Strategic Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) about his main technology priorities. AI “will likely change the character of…

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