WHAT IS IT?
The intent of the office is to set up a strong foundation for data analytic and AI-enabled capabilities to develop and field at scale, the official said.
"This foundation includes the necessary people, platforms and processes needed to continuously provide business leaders and warfighters with agile solutions, so the CDAO will serve as a department senior official responsible for strengthening the integration of data analytics and digital solutions, as well as AI functions across the department," the official explained.
WHY IMPORTANT
"The principal purpose for creating the CDAO is to elevate the importance of the issue sent to the secretary of defense, deputy secretary and other principals … while also ensuring unity of mission and strategic alignment in the department's enterprise level, data analytics, digital solutions and AI efforts."
