The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Chief Data Office was established in July 2017 with the goal of strengthening and modernizing the Department's data strategy and capabilities. In 2021, artificial intelligence (AI) was added to the portfolio, thus establishing the Chief Data and AI Office (DAF CDAO). The DAF and the Secretary of the Air Force have prioritized AI, recognizing the critical role it will play in the future of the military - from enhancing decision-making processes to streamlining operations. By integrating AI, our team ensures responsible implementation and effective utilization of these technologies to support the Department's mission and operations.

Chief Data and AI Officer

Susan K. Davenport

Ms. Susan Davenport serves as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Office of the Chief Information Officer. She develops and implements strategies for enterprise data management, analytics, digital transformation, and responsible/ethical artificial intelligence to optimize performance and drive innovation in and across all missions and operations. For more information about Ms. Davenport please click here.

 

 

 

 

FY 2026 GOALS

Institutionalize Data and AI as Core Mission

The DAF will codify data as a strategic asset and AI as an essential technology for modernizing the Air and Space forces. This action aligns with the broader goal of building and enforcing a robust data and AI ecosystem. Treating data-driven decisions and AI-enabled tools as indispensable components of mission execution cultivates a data-centric and AI-first force, ensuring data and AI accelerate every warfighting function to enable decision superiority.

Make Federated Governance Real

The DAF will operationalize a federated governance model, implementing a decentralized, domain-driven approach to data management that empowers Mission Owners at the tactical edge. This transformation of governance from a centralized inhibitor to a distributed enabler accelerates the secure development of AI solutions and supports the agile, scalable delivery of data and AI capabilities across the enterprise.

Shift from "AI potential" to "AI outcomes"

The DAF’s focus must shift from discussing the potential of AI to delivering mission-enhancing outcomes that provide a decisive advantage to warfighters. The DAF will prioritize the rapid development and fielding of AI-enabled capabilities that accelerate mission timelines and increase operational effectiveness. This pivot ensures the deployment of tangible, real-world capabilities that produce measurable results.

Establish Data Readiness as a Leadership Accountability

Data readiness will be established as a command imperative, making it as critical as personnel and equipment readiness. Holding leaders directly accountable for producing the high-quality, well-governed, and accessible data assets needed for mission execution provides the reliable and trustworthy data foundation essential for achieving enterprise-wide AI success.

Professionalize the Data and AI Workforce

The DAF will cultivate a workforce skilled in the entire data-to-AI pipeline, from data fluency to AI application, using targeted recruitment and defined career paths to build its human capital. This investment in our people is the core of the DAF's effort to reinforce the national security workforce that the DoW has prioritized, one that harnesses AI's transformative power to out-pace any adversary.

Priorities

~ The DoD AI Ethical Principles are Responsible, Equitable, Traceable, Reliable, and Governable.

~ The RAI Foundational Tenets operationalize the DoD AI Ethical Principles. 

~ The Foundational Tenets are RAI Governance, Warfighter Trust, AI Product and Acquisition Lifecycle, Requirements Validation, Responsible AI Ecosystem and AI Workforce.

AI Initiatives

To Democratize Access

  • Provide access to those outside of Program Offices

To Integrate Responsibly

  • Ensure respect for DoD RAI Ethical Principles and Foundational Tenets

To Accelerate Adoption

  • Encourage ubiquitous integration at the speed of relevance

To Provide Visibility

  • Establish efficient and informed resource management

To Build Coalitions

  • Leverage academic, industry, ally, and partner relationships

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