U.S. Air Force awarded $750,000 for AI-powered DEI training simulator

The U.S. Air Force awarded nearly $750,000 to Smarter Reality LLC to develop an artificial intelligence-powered virtual reality simulator for Air Force Academy cadets. The project, known as the “Conflict Resolution Simulator,” utilizes natural language processing, voice recognition, and AI to allow cadets to practice conversations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), honor, mentoring, and leadership.

Internal records obtained by the Functional Government Initiative (FGI) via a Freedom of Information Act request show the Air Force Research Laboratory awarded the contract on July 20, 2022. Air Force project slides noted that existing role-playing exercises were “insufficient practice for rising leaders to lead the diverse force of the future,” citing struggles among cadets and junior personnel in conducting difficult conversations.

FGI has criticized the expenditure, suggesting the project indicates the Biden administration prioritized progressive social goals over military readiness. Neither the U.S. Air Force nor Smarter Reality LLC provided comments regarding the contract at the time of the report.