NIPRGPT the experimental bridge to leverage Generative AI

In this edition of Linked into AFRL, explore impactful technologies, facilities, and people at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Last week, an AI chatbot for Airmen and Guardians was unveiled. "NIPRGPT is a critical bridge to ensure that we get the best tools we have into our teammates hands while larger commercial tools are navigating our intense security parameters and other processes," said Alexis Bonnell Chief Information Officer for AFRL.

A new "AFRL Unveiled" video debuted, showcasing the exceptional research facilities our scientists and engineers leverage to meet the current and future needs of the United States Air Force and Space Forces.

Dr. Emily Heckman discusses the vital photonics work her team is doing in the next segment of the One Lab, One Fight video series.

Don't miss the jobs section at the bottom of the newsletter to explore how you can join the AFRL team.

Accelerating initiatives with Generative AI (GenAI)

As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, the Department of the Air Force chief information officer, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, is accelerating initiatives to provide Guardians, Airmen, civilian employees, and contractors the ability to responsibly experiment with Generative AI, with adequate safeguards in place.

DAF senior leaders are focused on maximizing competitive advantage, recognizing that Airmen and Guardians need advanced technologies at the speed of relevance. To that end, the DAF is launching NIPRGPT, an experimental bridge to leverage GenAI on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network while continuing to explore maturing industry solutions.

“Our recent GenAI Roundtables with industry and academia have shown us this is an actively growing field,” said Venice Goodwine, DAF chief information officer. “Now is the time to give our Airmen and Guardians the flexibility to develop the necessary skills in parallel. There are multiple modernization efforts going on right now across the federal government and within the DAF to get tools in the hands of the workforce. This tool is another one of those efforts.”

NIPRGPT is part of the Dark Saber software platform developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, New York. Dark Saber is an ecosystem of Airmen and Guardians from across the DAF that brings together innovators and developers and equips them to create next-generation software and operational capabilities deployable to the Force at a rapid pace.

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Behind-the-scenes at AFRL's research facilities

From anechoic chambers to wind tunnels, munition ranges, simulators, centrifuges, supercomputers and more - we're peeking behind the curtain to explore AFRL's state-of-the-art facilities.

These facilities allow for the development and testing of technology to meet the current and future needs of the United States Air Force and Space Forces.

Dr. Emily Heckman and photonics research

Dr. Emily Heckman is AFRL's Photonics Technology Area Lead in the Sensor's Directorate.

“Photonics is anything to do with light and photons. We generate light by making lasers and finding new materials to make lasers at different wavelengths," said Heckman.

"When we talk about wavelengths and light we're not just talking about visible light, but the whole range of the electromagnetic spectrum. If you think about the Air Force's needs - communicational situational awareness is of vital importance."

"We're working on ways to better know what threats are out there, how to communicate those threats, how to detect the threats and ultimately how to protect ourselves against them," said Heckman.

Learn more about her work in the latest One Lab, One Fight series video or stream Dr. Heckman's Lab Life Podcast episode titled: "Microelectronics on Stage" where she discusses the worlds of astrophysics and printed electronics.

Highlighted below are five in-demand jobs — click on a position to learn more and apply.

• Foreign Affairs Specialist | Dayton, OH
• Computational Physicist | Albuquerque, NM
• Technical Lead | Rome, NY
• Security Engineer and Strategist | Colorado Springs, CO
• Multidisciplinary Mid-Level Engineer | Valparaiso, FL

Visit afresearchlab.com/careers to see career and internship opportunities around the world.

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