‘Distrust and verify’: Marines warily embrace generative AI with new guidance, task forces
The USMC “Guidance on Generative Artificial Intelligence,” issued in December, takes a cautiously optimistic approach to chatbots and tells commands to stand up task forces to evaluate potentially useful GenAI.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
on January 10, 2025 at 8:34 AM
WASHINGTON — As the US military moves ever so cautiously to adopt generative AI, the Marine Corps has issued its marching orders on how to safely implement the new technology, including a plan to stand up GenAI task forces at major commands.
Formally issued on Dec. 4, instruction NAVMC 5239.1 aims to split the difference between the AI hype squad and the doomsayers. On the cautious side, it reminds Marines that GenAI models may “hallucinate” — a term of art for “make stuff up” — and mandates, “System users should distrust and verify all outputs prior to use.” On the optimistic side, however, the policy urges leaders to let their Marines try out the technology: “Commands are discouraged from banning the use of GenAI capabilities.”
“Instead,” the policy continues, “commands should develop comprehensive governance processes that thoughtfully balance the benefits of GenAI tools and capabilities with potential risks, ensuring their use supports broader organizational objectives while maintaining operational security and integrity.”
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/01/distrust-and-verify-marines-warily-embrace-generative-ai-with-new-guidance-task-forces/
