OpenAI has appointed Dan Driscoll, a former U.S. Secretary of the Army, to a newly created senior counselor for national security modernization role. The move was announced on November 2.
Driscoll will advise OpenAI’s leadership and collaborate with external partners to explore how advanced AI can enhance national security and cybersecurity, the company stated. His responsibilities include engaging with government officials, industry leaders, and academic institutions to advance what OpenAI describes as “democratic AI.”
Driscoll’s Background and Departure from the Pentagon
Driscoll previously served as U.S. Secretary of the Army until earlier this year, when he resigned amid months of reported tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Before his Pentagon tenure, he was appointed by then-President Trump to participate in diplomatic talks with Moscow and Kyiv aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
In a statement, Driscoll 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.”
Role Focus and Objectives
OpenAI emphasized that Driscoll’s position will focus on practical initiatives to integrate AI into national security operations. His responsibilities include:
- Advising OpenAI’s internal teams on the operational needs of global national security organizations.
- Collaborating with U.S. allies to promote the responsible adoption of AI.
- Supporting efforts to modernize cybersecurity and defense capabilities through AI applications.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted the role’s significance, stating that the U.S. has “an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI.” Driscoll echoed this sentiment, noting that AI could streamline processes such as paperwork reduction and information processing for national security professionals.
Industry and Policy Implications
The appointment reflects growing corporate engagement with national security institutions amid rapid advancements in AI technology. OpenAI’s initiative aligns with broader discussions on AI governance, ethical deployment, and international collaboration in defense and cybersecurity sectors.