New Delhi: OpenAI has appointed Dan Driscoll, the former 26th Secretary of the United States Army, as its Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization. In the newly created role, he will work with the company's senior leadership and external partners to explore how advanced artificial intelligence can support national security, cyber resilience and cooperation with US allies.
Driscoll will engage with OpenAI teams and leaders across governments, industry, academia and allied institutions to advance practical AI modernisation initiatives. He will also help the company's internal teams understand the operational requirements of national security institutions.
His work will focus on identifying areas where emerging AI capabilities can address operational needs and support institutional change. He will also advise public- and private-sector partners on policy and strategy choices that can enable the responsible use of AI in national security.
Experience in military and government leadership
Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the US Army, overseeing its operations, modernisation and resource allocation. During his tenure, he was responsible for nearly one million Active, Guard and Reserve soldiers, along with more than 265,000 Army civilian employees.
He led Army transformation efforts focused on accelerating the deployment of new technologies, reforming acquisition processes and building a more capable force. His professional experience spans military service, law, government leadership and the private sector. He also served as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Focus on AI for national security
OpenAI said Driscoll's appointment reflects its efforts to help democratic institutions use advanced AI responsibly. The company also pointed to its work with international allies and partners on cyber resilience and the protection of essential services through its Daybreak programme.
Welcoming the appointment, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said AI should empower people and that they should have a say in how the technology is developed. He added that the US has an opportunity to work with other countries to expand the adoption of democratic AI.
Driscoll said national security requirements are changing rapidly and that AI could help military and security personnel process information, reduce administrative work, and deliver relevant information more quickly.
He said he was joining OpenAI to help the US and its allies put the technology to work responsibly for the people responsible for public safety.
