OpenAI hires former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as national security adviser

OpenAI has appointed former United States Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to a newly created post of Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, the company said.OpenAI1

The hire places a former senior US defense official inside a major AI developer to advise on how advanced systems are used for national and cyber security, including coordination with United States allies.OpenAI1

In its announcement, OpenAI said Driscoll will work with senior leadership and external partners "to advise on how advanced AI can strengthen national and cyber security, with a particular focus on working with U.S. allies to advance its responsible use."OpenAI1 The company said the role will focus on "practical modernization initiatives" that support the buildout of what it calls "democratic AI."OpenAI1

OpenAI said Driscoll will work with its internal teams and with governments, industry, academia and allied institutions, helping teams understand "the operational needs of global national security institutions" and advising public- and private-sector partners on policy and strategy choices to support "practical uses of AI to improve national security."OpenAI1

According to OpenAI, the appointment "reflects our commitment to helping democratic institutions use advanced AI responsibly to strengthen shared security," and "builds on" its work with allies and partners to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential services under its Daybreak program.OpenAI1 OpenAI's post does not describe the Daybreak program further.

The company said Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the United States Army, where he oversaw operations, modernization and resource allocation for nearly one million Active, Guard and Reserve soldiers and more than 265,000 Army civilians.OpenAI1 It credited him with driving Army transformation focused on accelerating new technology, reforming acquisition and building "a more capable force."OpenAI1

OpenAI said Driscoll, a former Army officer and business leader, brings experience spanning military service, law, senior government leadership and the private sector.OpenAI1 The announcement does not state when Driscoll will formally start in the role or the terms of his engagement.