Artificial Intelligence1 min read

OpenAI taps ex-US army secy Driscoll for key role

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

In this new position, the former military official will bridge internal technical teams with government, academic, and industry partners to push practical applications for democratic AI. He emphasized his intention to ensure the United States and partner nations responsibly integrate artificial intelligence to protect critical infrastructure and national interests. His defense background includes recent high-profile diplomatic involvement, having participated in U.S.-led negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The hire comes after his departure from the Pentagon earlier this year due to friction with defense leadership.

Key points

  • OpenAI is expanding its leadership expertise to better understand the operational needs o…: OpenAI is expanding its leadership expertise to better understand the operational needs of global national security organizations.
  • Driscoll's responsibilities include coordinating with government officials and academic p…: Driscoll's responsibilities include coordinating with government officials and academic partners to advance the responsible deployment of democratic AI.
  • Advanced artificial intelligence development is being increasingly aligned with U.S. defe…: Advanced artificial intelligence development is being increasingly aligned with U.S. defense infrastructure and cybersecurity readiness.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Driscoll will serve as senior counselor for national security modernization, advising OpenAI's leadership and collaborating with external partners on how advanced AI can enhance national security and cybersecurity.

Driscoll had resigned earlier this year following months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Driscoll gained prominence outside the Pentagon when he was tapped by US President Trump to take part in talks with Moscow and Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine - a rare diplomatic task for an Army secretary

"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 said in a statement

OpenAI said Driscoll will engage with various stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders and academic institutions, to advance practical initiatives for developing what OpenAI terms "democratic AI"

He will also help internal OpenAI teams understand the operational needs of global national security organizations, the company said.

Artificial Intelligence