The Phantom Program offers a comprehensive fellowship opportunity that enables individuals to gain valuable knowledge from leading experts in the field of artificial intelligence. The program follows a highly rigorous selection process, ensuring that only top-tier personnel are accepted into the AI Accelerator. These successful candidates, referred to as Phantoms, will collaborate with the most distinguished AI researchers globally, working alongside both fellow Airmen and Guardians who oversee specific AI projects. Phantoms will be responsible for contributing their specialized knowledge and expertise to a range of projects, while also innovating and developing novel processes to facilitate the successful integration of AI research into practical application. Strategic Theater Planning and technical phantoms will embed in AIA research projects, education phantoms will work on AIA education projects, and PA will conduct full-spectrum public affairs for the AIA. In addition to helping on AIA projects, All phantoms will write an impact paper of publishable quality, where they will explore research on an AI topic of interest valuable to their home unit or career field. Over the course of the five-month program, Phantoms will be exposed to cutting-edge AI research, real-world implementable solutions, customized AI training, and a distinctive career-enhancing experience.
Phantoms are 100% OPCON to the AIA for the duration of the program and will be expected to telework daily. Home units are responsible for funding 2 weeklong TDYs (case by case exceptions can be made) to MIT Beaver Works, Cambridge MA. The AIA will fund the final TDY.
In a scheduled solicitation cycle that happens approximately every 4-5 months, applicants are required to complete a Google form. This form includes information about their background, experience, motivation for applying, and responses to specific questions provided by AIA research projects that are accepting Phantom applications. If an applicant is competitive, they may be asked for additional career documentation. The entire process, from the initial solicitation to notification of successful candidates, takes around 6 weeks. It is important to note that the application is not binding, and once selected, individuals will have one week to accept the offer. Subsequently, they will undergo onboarding activities leading up to the official commencement of the program.
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