Join us in this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, where we welcome Colonel David Beskow, Academy Professor in the Department of Systems Engineering. COL Beskow discusses his extensive experience and insights on bridging the gap between humans and machines using data science, particularly in cyber, intelligence, and special operations.

Learn about his fascinating journey from an infantry leader to the Chief Data Scientist at Army Cyber Command, his current role at West Point, and his cutting-edge research on generative AI, machine learning, and drone warfare. Get an inside look at the importance of becoming a data-centric force and how the U.S. Army leverages these technologies for operational success. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of data science in military and defense.

00:00 Introduction to Colonel Dave Beskow

00:12 Beskow's Background and Expertise

01:55 The Importance of Data in the Army

04:55 Challenges in Data Collection and Literacy

10:16 Drone Warfare and Autonomous Systems

16:50 Social Media and Bot Detection

19:48 Generative AI and Future Challenges

22:53 Understanding Synthetic Data

23:28 Generative AI and Historical Context

25:31 AI Hallucinations Explained

26:26 Generative AI in Military Operations

27:41 Operations Research Center at West Point

29:13 Current Projects and Research

33:22 Enriching Cadet Experience

36:54 Personal Insights and Background

41:44 Rapid Fire Questions

43:46 Conclusion and Farewell

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Credits:    

1. Guest: COL Dave Beskow: (https://www.westpoint.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/operations-research-center)
2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)   
3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information   
4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com) 
5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)   

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.