Luncheon Guest Speaker Talks Security, Strategy and STEM
In June, Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner, USA, chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, took time from his schedule to discuss the influences of STEM with the chapter. Weidner clarified this was his third opportunity to speak to the AFCEA organization, and each time he's returned, the global security environment continues to be increasingly complex.
He commented that today we face strategic competition from nations such as China and Russia, while regional actors, including North Korea and Iran, continue to create additional security challenges. In this regard, organizations like AFCEA are more important than ever because STEM will shape the future of both national security and economic prosperity. Weidner said that history teaches us an important lesson: revolutionary breakthroughs are achieved not by using new technology to do old things slightly better, but by using revolutionary technologies to do entirely new things. Weidner discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) represents one of those revolutionary technologies.
AI is rapidly becoming part of nearly every aspect of our lives. He said that its true value depends on the quality of the data behind it and the questions we ask. Unlike previous technologies, AI will help improve AI itself. That makes this technological revolution fundamentally different from those that have come before. The general also commented on cybersecurity and quantum computing; data will become one of our most valuable resources. The ever-present objectives of protecting personal, commercial, and national security information requires increasingly sophisticated encryption. At the same time, advances in quantum computing have the potential to solve problems-and break encryption-at speeds previously unimaginable. These are engineering and scientific challenges that require continued innovation.
Weidner talked about how our nation depends on space every day. Navigation, communications, banking, precision timing and countless other services rely on satellites. As our dependence grows, so does the importance of protecting those capabilities against emerging counter-space threats. Weidner pointed out that energy production and distribution will become increasingly important as computing power, artificial intelligence and data centers continue expanding. He added that future technological advancement depends upon reliable, abundant energy.
Weidner also touched on biomedical engineering and how it has already transformed health care, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He suggested future breakthroughs may allow us to detect diseases earlier, improve treatments, extend quality of life and address entirely new medical challenges.
The general clarified that whether serving in government, industry, academia or the military, STEM professionals will play a critical role in shaping our future.
In parting, Weidner encouraged all in attendance to inspire the next generation to pursue these fields. Again, he thanked the chapter for everything it does.
He commented that today we face strategic competition from nations such as China and Russia, while regional actors, including North Korea and Iran, continue to create additional security challenges. In this regard, organizations like AFCEA are more important than ever because STEM will shape the future of both national security and economic prosperity. Weidner said that history teaches us an important lesson: revolutionary breakthroughs are achieved not by using new technology to do old things slightly better, but by using revolutionary technologies to do entirely new things. Weidner discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) represents one of those revolutionary technologies.
AI is rapidly becoming part of nearly every aspect of our lives. He said that its true value depends on the quality of the data behind it and the questions we ask. Unlike previous technologies, AI will help improve AI itself. That makes this technological revolution fundamentally different from those that have come before. The general also commented on cybersecurity and quantum computing; data will become one of our most valuable resources. The ever-present objectives of protecting personal, commercial, and national security information requires increasingly sophisticated encryption. At the same time, advances in quantum computing have the potential to solve problems-and break encryption-at speeds previously unimaginable. These are engineering and scientific challenges that require continued innovation.
Weidner talked about how our nation depends on space every day. Navigation, communications, banking, precision timing and countless other services rely on satellites. As our dependence grows, so does the importance of protecting those capabilities against emerging counter-space threats. Weidner pointed out that energy production and distribution will become increasingly important as computing power, artificial intelligence and data centers continue expanding. He added that future technological advancement depends upon reliable, abundant energy.
Weidner also touched on biomedical engineering and how it has already transformed health care, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. He suggested future breakthroughs may allow us to detect diseases earlier, improve treatments, extend quality of life and address entirely new medical challenges.
The general clarified that whether serving in government, industry, academia or the military, STEM professionals will play a critical role in shaping our future.
In parting, Weidner encouraged all in attendance to inspire the next generation to pursue these fields. Again, he thanked the chapter for everything it does.