The Pentagon is creating a new position -- the chief digital and artificial intelligence officer. Intended to be the successor to the Defense Department's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the new office will better align data, analytics, digital solutions and AI efforts across the department, reflecting a "shift in organizational concept," according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The department's Chief Information Officer John Sherman has been named as the acting chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, while the search for permanent leader continues -- targeted for June 1 hire or earlier. Whomever takes on the permanent role will face an enormous task: establishing foundational analytics goals for the Defense Department, helping it better define AI for its enterprise operations, and providing best practices for building out tools, processes and reporting to drive toward those goals. Some distinct skills and strategic actions will be needed not only for the new director but for the estimated 200 to 300 individuals who will work under this office.

The New York metropolitan region is one of the most complicated urban areas in the world, however, and even with the map, my driver struggled. After making a few illegal maneuvers and an unplanned stop for gas, he did get me to my destination, but I exited the car thinking that I'd once had the privilege to expect a far more capable driver. As AI infiltrates more of our experiences and organizations, it's important to recognize not only its many benefits but its unintended consequences as well. AI protects us from known and unknown threats, helps us connect to one another, and provides better answers faster and cheaper than humans do. And, of course, it's great that AI frees us from routine tasks such as reading a map.