US Department of Defense AI Chief to Step Down, Radha Plumb to Take Over

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and AI Officer, Craig Martell, will be leaving his position next month, according to a department spokesperson. Martell, who has held the role for two years, will be succeeded by Radha Plumb, the current deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. The transition is scheduled to take place on April 8.

Martell’s departure comes as a surprise, with no reason given for his unexpected exit. However, during his tenure, Martell played a crucial role in establishing the office and evolving it into a key player in the implementation of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2).

Under Martell’s leadership, the Chief Digital and AI Officer office brought together several organizations, including the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the Defense Digital Service, the Advana data-and-systems platform, and the chief data officer position. This consolidation allowed for greater efficiency and collaboration among these entities.

Martell expressed his satisfaction with the accomplishments of the CDAO, stating, “We brought together four distinct organizations into one, and we accomplished so much in such a short time.” He also highlighted the development of a strategy, roadmaps, and an organizational structure to support the implementation of CJADC2 as some of the key achievements during his tenure.

As Martell prepares to step down, Radha Plumb will assume the role of the Chief Digital and AI Officer. Plumb, who currently serves as the deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, brings ample experience and expertise to the position.

FAQ:

1. What is CJADC2?
CJADC2 stands for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control. It is a concept aimed at integrating and synchronizing military operations across all domains, including land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace.

2. Who is Craig Martell?
Craig Martell is the outgoing Chief Digital and AI Officer of the U.S. Department of Defense. He played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the role of this office.

3. Who will succeed Craig Martell?
Radha Plumb, the current deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, will be taking over as the Chief Digital and AI Officer of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Key Definitions:

– Chief Digital and AI Officer: The role responsible for overseeing digital transformation and the implementation of artificial intelligence strategies within an organization.
– Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2): A concept that aims to integrate and synchronize military operations across different domains to enhance command and control capabilities.