The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced its plan to recruit 50 AI technology experts in 2024 for its new “AI cadre,” aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to address critical missions. The cadre is modeled after the U.S. Digital Service, which provides technology expertise to federal agencies.
To quickly build the cadre, DHS plans to utilize the Office of Personnel Management’s direct-hire authorities, made available following President Joe Biden’s AI executive order. DHS Chief Information Officer and Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen highlighted their aggressive recruitment approach, partnering with organizations nationwide and streamlining the hiring process.
The AI cadre will consist of highly skilled professionals who will receive competitive compensation, with initial positions at the GS-15 General Schedule annual salary range. These remote positions will require some travel and onsite presence for project-specific needs.
Although AI experts can command higher salaries in the private sector, Hysen believes DHS’s mission will be a significant draw. By joining DHS, experts have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology while making a tangible impact on critical issues such as combating drug trafficking, child exploitation, and facilitating the immigration process.
Initially, members of the AI cadre will join Hysen’s office at DHS headquarters and then be assigned to various departments as needed. They will work on specific missions, including countering fentanyl networks, fighting against child sexual exploitation, and delivering immigration services.
DHS has already been utilizing machine learning, including for fentanyl detection, and expects to expand the use of AI-related technologies across all mission areas. The department has also embraced the use of commercial generative AI tools like ChatGPT, enabling employees at all levels to leverage the power of these technologies to enhance their work.
The appeal of DHS’s critical missions combined with the department’s aggressive recruitment efforts is expected to attract top AI talent. By assembling a dedicated cadre of experts, DHS aims to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to better protect and serve the nation.
FAQ:
1. What is the Department of Homeland Security’s plan?
– The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to recruit 50 AI technology experts in 2024 for its new “AI cadre,” aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to address critical missions.
2. What is the AI cadre modeled after?
– The AI cadre is modeled after the U.S. Digital Service, which provides technology expertise to federal agencies.
3. How does DHS plan to build the AI cadre quickly?
– DHS plans to utilize the Office of Personnel Management’s direct-hire authorities, made available following President Joe Biden’s AI executive order. They will partner with organizations nationwide and streamline the hiring process.
4. What positions will the AI cadre have?
– The AI cadre will consist of highly skilled professionals who will receive competitive compensation, with initial positions at the GS-15 General Schedule annual salary range.
5. Will the positions be remote or require onsite presence?
– These remote positions will require some travel and onsite presence for project-specific needs.
6. What are some of the critical issues that the AI cadre will work on?
– The AI cadre will work on critical issues such as combating drug trafficking, child exploitation, and facilitating the immigration process.
7. How will members of the AI cadre be assigned to departments?
– Initially, members of the AI cadre will join Chief Information Officer and Chief AI Officer Eric Hysen’s office at DHS headquarters and then be assigned to various departments as needed.
8. What AI-related technologies has DHS already been using?
– DHS has been utilizing machine learning, including for fentanyl detection, and expects to expand the use of AI-related technologies across all mission areas. They have also embraced the use of commercial generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
Key Terms:
– DHS: Department of Homeland Security
– AI: Artificial Intelligence
– AI cadre: A group of AI technology experts recruited by DHS for leveraging AI in critical missions
– U.S. Digital Service: A federal agency that provides technology expertise to other federal agencies
– GS-15: Refers to the General Schedule pay scale, specifically at the highest level for federal employees
Suggested Related Links:
– Department of Homeland Security Official Website
– Office of Personnel Management Official Website
The source of the article is from the blog scimag.news