A Defense Department (DoD) spokesperson confirmed to MeriTalk today that Joe Larson, a long-time Pentagon leader overseeing the use and scaling of digital and algorithmic technologies for war, plans to step down from his post effective February 1, 2024.
Larson is currently a member of the Senior Executive Service and serves as the deputy chief digital and artificial intelligence officer for algorithmic warfare within DoD’s Chief Data and AI Office (CDAO).
“Larson has been an invaluable asset to our organization during his tenure, and his expertise and leadership have played a vital role in advancing our mission,” DoD said in an official statement.
“He has led the completion of major accomplishments for the Algorithmic Warfare directorate – such as the Alpha-1 AI scaffolding initiative, the establishment of Task Force Lima focused on generative AI capabilities, and the development of advanced machine learning algorithms for detecting acoustic energies through Project Harbinger – all within the CDAO’s first year of establishment,” the statement continued.
Larson joined the CDAO as the inaugural chief of its algorithm warfare directorate in 2022. Before that, he led the Pentagon’s Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team – formerly known as Project Maven – at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as an intelligence officer and information operations planner supporting the Corps’ contingency operations for 21 years.
Before his government service, Larson held several private sector positions related to data, policy, technology, and national security. Some of his roles in the private sector include senior director for Joint All Domain Command and Control, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Battle Management at Anduril Industries; head of business operations at Tulco Labs; and head of AI policy and strategy at Palantir Technologies.
The CDAO has not yet identified a replacement for the soon-to-be vacant post. But, according to the Pentagon spokesperson, the CDAO is announcing Larson’s planned departure proportionate to the start of the Department’s efforts to hire his relief.
“We are excited about the progress DoD is making on AI adoption as a result of Larson’s efforts and the robust American talent pool that could continue to contribute to this work,” the DoD official stated.
