OpenAI has appointed former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, expanding its defense capabilities and government reach. In his new role, Driscoll will collaborate with governments, industry, academia, and allies to strengthen national security and cyber defense through artificial intelligence. He will also help OpenAI align its technology with the operational needs of security institutions, drawing on his extensive background in military administration and technology procurement.
Driscoll previously led AI modernization efforts across the US Army, including Project ARIA, which integrated artificial intelligence into budgeting, logistics, and tactical deployments. Having overseen nearly one million soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilian employees before stepping down in August 2026, he brings deep defense sector experience. Furthermore, as an ally of Vice President JD Vance with strong bipartisan relationships in Congress, Driscoll is positioned to help the company navigate upcoming midterm elections and regulatory shifts.
This strategic hire builds on OpenAI's growing defense footprint, which expanded significantly in February 2026 when the company secured a Pentagon contract for classified networks. That agreement followed the Pentagon's classification of rival Anthropic as a supply chain risk after disputes over mass surveillance and autonomous weapons restrictions. Why it matters: The appointment deepens OpenAI's military integration and government contracting potential just as national security AI demands accelerate.