Accelerating Change: Inside Shaw’s new AI Viper Task Force

Accelerating Change: Inside Shaw’s new AI Viper Task Force

http://www.theitem.com/stories/accelerating-change-inside-shaws-new-ai-viper-task-force,440316

Publish Date: 2026-03-04 06:00:00

Source Domain: www.theitem.com

• Generative AI Initiative Launched: The 20th Fighter Wing has initiated a 90-day Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accelerator program called the Generative AI Viper Task Force aimed at enhancing mission effectiveness and reducing administrative overhead.

• Hackathon Kicks Off the Task Force: The initiative began with a hackathon in December 2025 where Airmen and civilians competed to find digital solutions to administrative challenges, establishing a strong foundation for the task force.

• Pilot Wing for Generative AI Use: The 20th FW was officially designated as the pilot wing for Air Combat Command in the operational use of Generative AI, tasked with exploring and demonstrating its potential.

• Continuous Improvement via 90-Day Cycles: The task force works in 90-day cycles, gathering feedback from various units to rapidly prototype AI-driven solutions to real-world problems, improving readiness and efficiency.

• MEL Chatbot Innovation: Anish Gandhi, a participant in the hackathon, won with the MEL Chatbot, an AI program automating enlisted promotion eligibility checks, thereby saving time and reducing human error.

• Basic AI Skills Training: To ensure broad accessibility, the task force is offering “AI 101” classes since January 27, 2026, to help airmen build foundational knowledge in Generative AI use.

• Second Hackathon for Complex Problems: A second hackathon is planned for April 2026, focusing on applying Generative AI to more intricate operational challenges within the wing.

• Setting Standards for AI Implementation: As a testbed for emerging AI capabilities, the 20th FW aims to set the standard for enterprise-level AI implementation within the Air Combat Command.