The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is ramping up efforts to integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into its operations unveiling a new experimental GenAI chatbot.
The NIPRGPT platform – launched by the Air Force chief information officer (CIO) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) – is an “AI chatbot that allows users to have human-like conversations to complete various tasks. NIPRGPT can answer questions and assist with tasks such as correspondence, background papers, and code, all within a secure computing environment.”
The GenAI tool, according to the Air Force, serves as an experimental bridge to leverage GenAI on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network.
“NIPRGPT is a critical bridge to ensure we get the best tools we have into our team’s hands while larger commercial tools are navigating our intense security parameters and other processes,” Alexis Bonnell, AFRL CIO, said in a press release. “Changing how we interact with unstructured knowledge is not instant perfection; we each must learn to use the tools, query, and get the best results. NIPRGPT will allow Airmen and Guardians to explore and build skills and familiarity as more powerful tools become available.”
NIPRGPT is also part of the Dark Saber software platform, a software engineering ecosystem of airmen and guardians equipped with the tools to develop and deploy next-generation software and operational capabilities. Dark Saber was developed at the AFRL Information Directorate in Rome, New York.
“Now is the time to give our Airmen and Guardians the flexibility to develop the necessary skills in parallel. There are multiple modernization efforts going on right now across the Federal government and within the DAF to get tools in the hands of the workforce. This tool is another one of those efforts,” said Venice Goodwine, the DAF CIO.
However, the new GenAI chatbot is not a final product but a tool for the department to explore the potential of GenAI technology in real-world situations.
The experiment is an opportunity to facilitate real-world testing, understand the practical applications and challenges of GenAI, and ensure that future implementation is effective and efficient.
The NIPRGPT platform includes user feedback opportunities to help develop governing policies and enable informed conversations with vendors as the DAF works to incorporate these tools into its operations.
“Technology is learned by doing,” said Chandra Donelson, DAF’s acting chief data and AI officer. “As our warfighters, who are closest to the problems, are learning the technology, we are leveraging their insight to inform future policy, acquisition, and investment solutions.”
