OpenAI hires former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to advise on national security

OpenAI has hired former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for a newly created role connecting its AI work with national security institutions. As senior counselor for national security modernization, he will advise company leaders on national security and cybersecurity applications and help U.S. allies adopt advanced AI responsibly, CNBC reported.

The appointment gives Driscoll responsibilities both inside and outside the company. OpenAI said he will help its teams understand the operational needs of national security institutions while working with government officials, industry leaders, academic institutions and allied organizations.

An international mandate

CEO Sam Altman framed the hiring around American leadership in AI. He said the United States has “an extraordinary opportunity to work with other countries to spread the adoption of democratic AI,” and that Driscoll’s appointment would help strengthen that leadership.

Driscoll brings experience with military modernization and international partners. An Iraq war veteran, he pushed efforts to widen access to drone and counter-drone technology among U.S. allies while serving as Army secretary, according to an earlier Army announcement cited by CNBC.

Less paperwork, faster answers

Driscoll’s own explanation emphasized everyday work within national security organizations. He said AI could reduce paperwork, process information and deliver answers more quickly. Those were proposed uses, not results from a deployment announced alongside his appointment.

“National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past fifty years,” Driscoll said. His remit also builds on OpenAI’s existing Daybreak program, which the company describes as an effort to strengthen cyber resilience and protect essential services.

The move follows Driscoll’s departure from the Army’s top civilian job earlier in 2026. CNBC, citing Reuters, said he resigned after months of reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His updated LinkedIn profile also lists the new OpenAI position.