The US Army is now using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to enhance its recruitment process and streamline bureaucratic procedures.
Called Recruit 360, the AI software enables the service to rapidly analyze data on potential applicants by employing thousands of intelligent algorithms.
It generates a highly refined list of individuals who have already shown a propensity for joining the military.
With the new tool, the army can move away from cold-calling random 18-year-olds and engage directly with prospects on the list.
“It just eats up a lot of time and it really can weigh on the recruiter,” US Army Recruiting Command official Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis said, referring to the old process. “Let’s get away from that and let’s refine this using AI so that those that we do call show propensity and show interest in service to the nation.”
Currently, Recruit 360 is being utilized in five cities and is reportedly yielding positive results. The goal is to make the AI recruitment tool operational across the US.
Long Called For
In 2023, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth floated the idea of using AI to assist in the recruitment process.
“As we look for new ways to improve our recruiting enterprise, there may be ways artificial intelligence can help us, you know, identify quality leads for prospects in ways that you know human beings are not as skilled to do,” she told DefenseScoop at the time.
While she did not specify how AI could help, tech experts have noted its potential to analyze vast amounts of data and identify items of interest.
Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said AI could certainly help expedite recruitment but there should always be a human overseeing the process.
“What I mean by that is, it may not be the person that’s actually doing all the work, but we’re going to see artificial intelligence help us do our jobs better,” he said.
In addition to the US Army, the British Army has also adopted AI to enhance its recruitment processes and reduce application time by 25 percent.