OpenAI has appointed former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization.
In the newly created role, Driscoll will work with senior leadership and external partners to advise on the use of advanced AI in national security and cybersecurity, with a particular focus on cooperation with U.S. allies. Driscoll will also help OpenAI understand the operational needs of global national security institutions, the firm said in a Monday announcement.
"AI should give people more power over their lives, and people should have a say in how it's developed," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said. "The U.S. has an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI, and I'm excited to welcome Dan Driscoll to OpenAI to strengthen American leadership and help us do that."
Using AI to improve national security
Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the Army, overseeing operations, modernization, and resources for nearly one million active, guard, and reserve soldiers and more than 265,000 army civilians, according to the announcement. Beyond the military, Driscoll also has experience in senior government leadership and private sector roles.
"I've spent much of my career in public service, first as a soldier and most recently as Secretary of the Army and Acting Director of ATF. The people who serve deserve the very best tools we can put in their hands," Driscoll said. "National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past fifty years. This technology will help them keep pace by cutting through paperwork, making sense of more information, and getting the right answer to the right person faster."
Driscoll will also advise OpenAI's public and private-sector partners on policy and strategy decisions aimed at putting AI to practical use in national security and "help ensure the world is building AI to support democratic principles," OpenAI said. His appointment builds on OpenAI's existing Daybreak program, which focuses on strengthening cyber resilience and protecting essential services, the company 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," Driscoll added.