Air Force Unveils New Tool to Track AI Progress and Spending

By Shane Klestinski, Associate Editor

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) announced, Aug. 27, its release of CLARA, a new tool that seeks to improve visibility and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across the department.

According to the recent DAF announcement, CLARA will provide a central platform to share information, track progress, and foster collaboration on AI projects. This platform will help ensure that stakeholders stay informed and consistently aligned in their efforts to further develop Air Force and Space Force AI capabilities.

Venice Goodwine, the Air Force’s chief information officer, recently stated that Congress has charged his organization with having an AI inventory that will indicate how much money it is spending on AI.

“More importantly, how are we tracking the time back on mission for our airmen and Guardians?” Goodwine said during the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Event in August. “CLARA is a way in which we’re going to do that.”

Like AI professionals throughout the Department of Defense, DAF personnel have been experimenting with various advances in both AI and machine learning capabilities to improve the Air Force and Space Force’s readiness. This has included studying new technologies and initiating efforts concentrated on developing AI’s relevance for both of its services, which can apply to a wide variety of operations and tasks ranging in complexity and duration. As the DAF pioneers multiple programs, it will use CLARA to monitor progress, spending and potentially redundant initiatives.

Air Force and Space Force personnel intending to use CLARA will need a common access card (CAC) to do so. Airmen and Guardians can connect with CLARA on the Air Force’s AI Exchange App Store. The site also provides access to other AI resources, such as NIPRGPT and Machina (both of which also require CACs), as well as redForce AI.

“Every warfighter deserves clarity on the tools and capabilities at their disposal,” said Chandra Donelson, the Air Force’s acting chief data and AI officer in a statement. “Transparent access to our resources ensures everyone is more equipped and ready to excel in any mission.”