On June 10, the US Space Force (USSF) and US Air Force (USAF) announced a new generative AI tool called NIPRGPT (Non-classified Internet Protocol Generative Pre-training Transformer). The tool promises to improve the force's ability to access information and assess its needs.

NIPRGPT is designed to help employees experiment with AI technologies in everyday tasks. Potential uses for this tool include reporting summaries, IT support and programming, helping to reduce manual work and increase operational efficiency.

According to Alexis Bonnell, Chief Information Officer and Director of Digital Capabilities at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), NIPRGPT's primary goal is to make data more accessible and customizable across Air Force Research Services. force. Bonnell emphasized that determining whether generative AI can support these tasks is an important part of the testing process.

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Previously, the US Department of Defense has been exploring how to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to make everyday tasks like searching documents and answering questions more efficient. In 2023, the Navy launched a conversational AI program called “Amelia” to help sailors solve problems and provide technical support.

Collen Roller, senior computer scientist at AFRL, said his team has been working to research how the USSF and USAF can use this technology for administrative tasks and also in tactical operations. “This field changes so quickly, we have to be able to adapt to new things that come out,” he said. “From a research and development standpoint, this is critical if we are to be able to evaluate new technologies and chart specific paths for adoption.”

AFRL developed NIPRGPT using publicly available AU models, and Bonnell said the service has not committed to a particular method or vendor when building on it. As service members begin using the system, AFRL will work with commercial partners to test and integrate their tools, determining whether they are useful to the services.

“We hope to not only spark curiosity and experimentation from users, but also provide a way to test vendors' models,” she said. “We expect that some models The image will be excellent in some use cases and not so good in others.”

The NIPRGPT tool not only helps companies test different tools and models, but also helps the USSF and USAF determine the best approach to procuring these capabilities. Bonnell emphasized that the right strategy will depend on how services use NIPRGPT and whether there is sufficient demand.

“This tool helps us with what we want to achieve in the end. And if commercial tools come along that bypass existing security processes or systems, we will buy them at a reasonable price.” Bonnell shared.