I had the honor of serving as an innovation advisor on the Department of the Navy (DoN) Naval Innovation Advisory Council (NIAC) from 2015 to 2016. The purpose of the NIAC, which is a program run by the DON’s Office of Strategy and Innovation, is to provide top cover for naval innovators conducting research on cutting edge concepts that can help build the best Navy and Marine Corps of the future. There are many people who want to be a part of the effort to reform and modernize how the department adopts new technologies and concepts. The NIAC provides a network of like-minded people and organizations across the DoN, the Department of Defense (DoD), federal government, academia, and industry. Also, the NIAC facilitates seed funding for promising innovative projects. Over the past two years, the NIAC has become a gathering place for emerging strategists and innovators to connect and collaborate with the nation’s best and brightest subject matter experts.
The NIAC allowed me to pursue advanced technology designs and prototypes, some of which were not being addressed by DoD program offices. From developing software for the next generation of unmanned tactical robotics to introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce administrative burdens, I have led the development of advanced technology concepts and capabilities that have achieved faster, less expensive, and better results for the department.
Along with only a small cadre of select sailors, Marines, and civilians, my work at the 2016 international Unmanned Warrior joint demonstration highlighted how the DoN could surpass the best technology that industry has to offer, and my project on tactical robotics was featured in an episode of 60 Minutes. The successes achieved during my NIAC tour shaped national policy and influenced the DoD and DoN to accelerate research and development investments. Without the NIAC and its innovation network, it would be hard to imagine that these successes would have happened.
The NIAC’s work continues today, and organizations both in and out of the DoD are using the NIAC as their model to achieve rapid prototyping and innovation. Meanwhile, a recent class of NIAC innovators has investigated uses of AI, autonomous systems, 3-D printing, design thinking, Blockchain, and a chief data officer to transform how the DoN conducts its business. I look forward to seeing their research and, in particular, how the DoN chooses to endorse their recommendations.
To shape our future and stay ahead of our adversaries, programs like the NIAC should be expanded as our military environment demands that the DoN position itself as an innovative and technology-enabled force. The NIAC demonstrates how the DoN is capable of leveraging its talented workforce across all ranks to produce actionable and innovative results that will help transform the Navy and Marine Corps in the 21st century. It is my hope that DoN leadership will continue supporting the NIAC program and allow sailors and Marines to connect to a proven network to shape and position their department for success.
