OpenAI hired former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll into a new national security role, focused on helping the U.S. and its allies use AI.

OpenAI announced on Monday that Dan Driscoll will join as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, a role it created for him (OpenAI). He'll advise OpenAI's leaders and outside partners on how advanced AI can strengthen national security and cybersecurity, "with a particular focus on working with U.S. allies." OpenAI says he'll work with governments, industry and universities on what it calls "democratic AI." He'll also help its own teams understand what national security agencies need. OpenAI ties the hire to Daybreak, its program with allies and partners on cyber resilience and protecting essential services. Driscoll said he's joining "to help the United States and our allies put this technology to work responsibly, for the people who keep us safe." He said the technology can help by "cutting through paperwork, making sense of more information, and getting the right answer to the right person faster." Driscoll was the 26th Secretary of the Army. Reuters reports he resigned earlier this year after months of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (Reuters via CNA). OpenAI hasn't said when he starts.

What this means for you: nothing changes in ChatGPT today. The hire shows where OpenAI is putting effort: selling AI to governments and their militaries, starting with U.S. allies. Expect more government deals, and more debate over how AI companies work with the military.