OpenAI announced on Monday that former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will become its senior counselor for national security modernization. The position, newly created in the company, will focus on integrating responsible artificial intelligence into national security, cybersecurity and defense operations. Driscoll will advise the company’s senior leadership and work with government officials, industry executives and academic institutions to spot AI opportunities that strengthen U.S. and allied security capabilities.
Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the United States Army, where he oversaw the service’s modernization programs and the allocation of army resources. He resigned after disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over modernization priorities. He said, ‘I’m joining OpenAI to help the United States and our allies put this technology to work responsibly, for the people who keep us safe,’ according to a Reuters report.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman welcomed Driscoll’s appointment. Altman highlighted the importance of international cooperation and the role of AI in giving people more power over their lives. “AI should give people more power over their lives and people should have a say in how it’s developed,” Altman was quoted as saying on the announcement.
The role will see Driscoll collaborate with OpenAI’s internal teams to better understand the operational needs and challenges facing national security institutions worldwide. He will also help modernize policies and strategies for incorporating AI into national security operations, the company said.
The appointment, announced at the company’s headquarters in San Francisco, signals OpenAI’s focus on ethical AI use while strengthening defense partnerships and advancing technology responsibly.
