Patrick Johnson on Unlocking the Potential: Enhancing Cyber Workforce and Technology in the Department of Defense

<p>Have no fear, your new wingman is here! AI is by your side and ready to help you multiply your abilities. Patrick Johnson, Director of the Workforce Innovation Directorate at the DoD CIO discusses how his team is working to further implement AI ethically and safely in areas such as human capital to expedite finding talent. Patrick also shares his passion for building cyclical pipelines to ensure that talent, and ideas, flow seamlessly between the government and private sector. Join us as we dive further into AI’s benefits and how government and industry can be cyber workforce innovation partners.</p><h2>Key Topics</h2><ul><li>02:06 Lag in civilian workforce training upscaling needed.</li><li>03:19 Balancing talent, training and automation for better security.</li><li>08:22 Leaders understand AI as a force multiplier.</li><li>12:15 Our motivations are different; utilizing AI for advancement.</li><li>15:25 AI used for maintenance, scheduling, monitoring issues. Embracing technology.</li><li>18:35 Questioning impact of technology on workforce integration.</li><li>21:45 Knowledge, skills, ability, competency. Task-focused performance. Workforce coding. Qualification program ensures necessary skill sets. Tracking mechanism being developed. Vast department with skill spread.</li><li>25:26 Real-time data for proactive leadership and action.</li><li>27:05 Retention strategy includes talent competition and permeability.</li><li>30:36 Improving marketing for civilian DoD jobs.</li><li>33:49 It works for all sectors, find talent.</li><li>40:19 Government employees and veterans bring valuable skills.</li><li>41:27 Promote supply, train, partner for innovation.</li><li>45:33 Virtual reality: future of government services and museums.</li></ul><br/><h2>The DoD's Cyber Workforce</h2><h3>Cyber Workforce Improvement Is Crucial</h3><p>Patrick states that the Department of Defense's (DoD's) total cyber workforce, comprising military, civilian and industry partner contractors, is around 225,000 people. He notes that the DoD has t