WEST POINT, N.Y. – MAY 23: Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll attends the U.S. Military Academy Graduation Ceremony on May 23, 2026 at the U.S. Military Academy’s Mitchie Stadium in West Point, New York. U.S. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth was announced as the 2026 commencement speaker just two days before the event. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Adam Gray | Getty Images News | Getty Images
OpenAI has hired former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior adviser for national security modernization, a newly created role at the company.
Driscoll will focus on how artificial intelligence can be used to strengthen U.S. national security and cybersecurity, according to OpenAI, but his updated LinkedIn profile also lists his new role.
He will work with OpenAI’s senior leadership and external partners, with a particular focus on helping U.S. allies responsibly deploy advanced AI.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the U.S. has a “great opportunity to work with other countries to expand the adoption of democratic AI,” and Driscoll’s appointment strengthens U.S. leadership in technology.
“National security requirements are changing faster than at any time in the past 50 years,” Driscoll said. He added that AI has the potential to reduce red tape, process information and provide faster answers to those involved in national security.
I’m joining OpenAI to help the United States and its allies responsibly leverage this technology for the benefit of those who keep us safe.
Dan Driscoll
OpenAI Senior Counselor
The appointment comes after Driscoll resigned as Army secretary earlier this year after months of reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Driscoll, an Iraq war veteran, led efforts to modernize the U.S. military, including expanding access to drone and counter-drone technology among U.S. allies, according to previous Army announcements.
Driscoll also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kiev in November 2025 to discuss a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the war with Russia, according to a statement from the Ukrainian President’s Office.
At OpenAI, Driscoll will work with government officials, industry leaders, academic institutions, and related organizations to advance what the company calls “democratic AI.” We also help internal teams understand the operational needs of national security agencies, building on OpenAI’s efforts to strengthen cyber resiliency and protect critical services through the Daybreak program.
