Memo calls for updated military AI policies and expanded technical talent
Today the White House released a national security memorandum on artificial intelligence, directing federal agencies to accelerate the adoption of AI across the national security enterprise while updating policies and guidance for the use of AI in military and intelligence settings.
The memorandum directs the Department of War to update DoD Directive 3000.09 on autonomy in weapons systems; review and update procurement processes to accelerate the onboarding of advanced AI models from multiple vendors; develop a roadmap for secure compute access; and establish an AI test range for national security use cases. It also calls for expanded hiring of technical AI talent, the creation of an AI National Security Strategic Reserve, an AI for National Security Curriculum, and standardized testing, evaluation, verification, and validation methods for national security AI systems.
“This memorandum is an important step to modernize the federal government’s institutions and prepare them for the challenges in the modern AI era,” said ARI President Brad Carson. “The administration is right to focus on technical talent, secure compute, testing and evaluation infrastructure, and updated guidance for autonomous weapons systems to match improving capabilities. These are key actions toward ensuring the United States can adopt AI effectively while keeping military use aligned with American values and the chain of command.”
Last week, Vice President J.D. Vance spoke publicly about the need for AI safeguards on autonomous weapons at the U.S. Air Force Academy. As bipartisan consensus grows around the need for the federal government to adopt safeguards and modernize in the AI era, ARI has called on lawmakers to strengthen AI provisions in the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to meet the scale of the technological transformation reshaping modern warfare and national security.
Earlier this year, ARI published new analysis that examined the Department of War’s sweeping memorandums, launch of new AI tools, and creation of 100,000 AI agents to support its tech overhaul. The analysis finds that in its efforts, the Pentagon missed the importance of hiring AI talent, and faces bureaucratic hurdles that will slow the Pentagon’s push to effectively adopt AI at speed and scale.
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