AI News Monitor

Washington, D.C. — Senior Defense Department officials, industry leaders, and government experts gathered yesterday to chart the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in national security, emphasizing how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s focus on innovation, lethality, and readiness is reshaping the department’s AI strategy.

At the “AI in the New Administration: Agency Priorities” panel, held against a backdrop of rapid technological change, speakers highlighted how AI is driving digital modernization across the military. Joint Staff AI lead Bianca Herlory stressed the importance of integrating AI into daily operations to enhance commanders’ decision-making and responsiveness.

“Advancements in computing power and big data are transforming not just acquisition, but daily military operations,” Herlory said, emphasizing the need for early experimentation and rigorous training.

Wallace Coggins, chief data and AI officer at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, underscored AI’s critical role in defending the military’s industrial base from espionage, citing the agency’s use of AI to streamline its 10,000 daily background investigations.

Former Energy Department CIO Ann Dunkin shared how AI has strengthened cybersecurity efforts in the energy sector and stressed its broader strategic role in countering emerging threats.

The discussions echoed themes from President Donald J. Trump’s January 2025 executive order aimed at accelerating AI adoption while reducing bureaucratic barriers. Panelists also praised recent Office of Management and Budget guidance that promotes safe and accelerated AI use across federal agencies.

Looking ahead, officials predicted that AI leadership roles would become increasingly vital and that close collaboration across policy, acquisition, and operational sectors would be key to successful AI integration.

“AI can greatly enhance situational awareness for military leaders, enabling faster and better-informed decisions,” Herlory concluded.