(US & Canada) VIDEO | Toughest Part of Picking New Tech Is Balancing Risks and Rewards — National Ground Intelligence Center Commander

Col. Eric Haas, Commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), speaks with Katya Mijatovic, Principal Data Scientist at Data Society and CDO Magazine Editorial Board Member, about choosing new technologies, developing and recruiting talent, and technologies he is looking forward to implementing.

Mijatovic interviewed Haas on the sidelines of the recently conducted AFCEA CeVA Data Centric Summit.

Highlighting a major takeaway for summit attendees, Haas mentions that cloud computing is going to be a critical part of storing information so that it is readily accessible to users. He also stresses the need to develop the right standards of data security.

When asked about his approach to implementing new technology, Haas says that the toughest part is balancing the risks and rewards of different technological advancements. He however maintains that it is crucial not to be overly attached to previous investments if they no longer serve needs.

Haas further says that making quick decisions is important, but it is equally essential to have open discussions with leaders about opportunities to save money sensibly. He states that the goal is to invest in the future while also making the most of existing technologies before discarding them.

Next Haas speaks about addressing the challenge of upskilling the workforce and recruiting new talent. He mentions that providing opportunities to learn and develop is a priority.

In a similar vein, he reveals that the center has started developing new job roles to hire talent with the right skills. Haas also acknowledges the challenge of paying competitive wages since these are highly desirable skill sets across the government and the private industry.

Speaking about a couple of technologies that have been transformative in the past decade, Haas firstly emphasizes the impact of cloud computing, noting how it facilitates broader communication within the intelligence world. Secondly, he underscores the ongoing advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, particularly in the area of translation. He hopes that these technologies will enable rapid translation, reduce language barriers, and enhance access to documents and scientific journals produced globally.

In conclusion, Haas highlights a technology he is looking forward to implementing in the next decade. He envisions advancements in artificial intelligence for geospatial intelligence recognition, aiming to shift the focus away from individual analysts spending extensive time analyzing static photos. By leveraging AI, they can redirect their efforts towards broader awareness about what is happening instead of just trying to confirm a past event

CDO Magazine appreciates Col. Eric Haas for sharing his insights with our global community.