The Nation that Leads in AI Will Lead the World

CLICK TO HEAR: Podcast Interview with Major General John M. Olson, Major General John M. Olson, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, U.S. Department of the Air Force, and U.S. Space Force Mobilization Assistant to the Chief of Space Operations, moderated by Steve Wanamaker, CEO, CDO Magazine.

Over the next 10 years, the United States has a critical window to go "all in" in the race for artificial intelligence leadership. Major General John M. Olson, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force Mobilization Assistant to the Chief of Space Operations, says, "The nation that leads in artificial intelligence will lead the world" and shape the 21st century. Second place isn't an option; it would be a clear and present danger to the United States' national security. 

There are few opportunities in history when citizens can give their lives to a cause that will create a generational impact with seismic ripples over time. Just like the Greatest Generation mobilized everyone to liberate Europe and win World War II, we need to mobilize our nation's best and brightest to impact this defining time in our nation’s history. 

According to Maj. Gen. Olson, “As our Commander and Chief said, ‘This is the decisive decade.’ I truly believe the next 10 years will dictate the next 200. AI is that important.” The top priority of the U.S. Space Force is to be AI-ready by 2025 and AI-competitive, leading the world by 2027.

As a U.S. Army veteran and CEO of CDO Magazine, I was inspired by Maj. Gen. Olson to use my voice to encourage each U.S. citizen who is a data, analytics, and AI professional to consider making a profound impact in shaping the 21st century's global race for AI leadership. For some, it might be taking a full-time job in the U.S. government, and others might volunteer their services in support of this vital mission. But, what we cannot do is sit idly and lose this race. 

Today, we're fortunate that the United States has talented citizens and service members who empower us to compete. But it's a 10-year race, and we have to go "all in" as a nation to win. The clock is ticking. 

Let this article serve as a Paul Revere moment for the data community. It requires every one of us to understand our current reality and offer our talents in this national call to service. 

The federal government and U.S. military has many positions open that provide incredible training opportunities, dynamic mission exposure, high-energy excitement, the chance to be at the pinnacle of your performance. I would like to encourage our readers to apply. 

Maj. Gen. Olson urges: “This is the time to act. The time to act is now. As we look ahead, the future is bright. We’ll get there together. I’m all in. How about you?”

America needs your talent. Apply today for Space Force, Air Force or civilian career opportunities.

About the Author

Steve Wanamaker is the Publisher and CEO of CDO Magazine, the world’s leading online publication for data and analytics C-suite executives reaching 176 countries and a global audience of 350,000 readers. Wanamaker is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the University of Cincinnati (UC). He serves on the board of the UC Health Foundation and the FC Cincinnati Foundation (Major League Soccer team).