OpenAI has appointed Dan Driscoll, former United States Secretary of the Army, as Senior Counselor for National Security Modernization, strengthening its engagement with governments and security institutions on the use of artificial intelligence.
The appointment, announced on November 2, 2026, places Driscoll in a newly created advisory position focused on the application of advanced AI in national security, cybersecurity and institutional modernisation.
In his new role, Driscoll will work with OpenAI's senior leadership and external partners, including government agencies, industry organisations, academic institutions and allied countries.
According to the company, his responsibilities will include advising on how AI technologies can support national security operations while encouraging their responsible adoption among the United States and its international allies.
Driscoll will also help OpenAI's internal teams understand the operational requirements of national security institutions, including the challenges associated with integrating emerging technologies into existing systems.
The company said his appointment forms part of its efforts to develop what it describes as democratic AI, an approach focused on deploying artificial intelligence in accordance with democratic principles and institutional oversight.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company sees an opportunity for the United States to work with other countries to expand the adoption of AI systems aligned with democratic values.
Altman welcomed Driscoll's appointment, stating that his experience would support OpenAI's engagement with governments and international partners.
Driscoll previously served as the 26th Secretary of the United States Army, where he oversaw military operations, modernisation programmes and resource allocation.
His responsibilities covered nearly one million active-duty, National Guard and Reserve soldiers, along with more than 265,000 civilian personnel.
During his tenure, he worked on initiatives involving technology deployment, acquisition reform and military transformation.
Driscoll has also served as Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. His professional background includes military service, government leadership, law and the private sector.
Commenting on his appointment, Driscoll said AI could help national security personnel reduce administrative workloads, process large volumes of information and improve the delivery of relevant information to decision-makers.
He added that he intends to work with the United States and its allies to support the responsible use of these technologies.
The appointment also builds on OpenAI's existing national security initiatives, including its Daybreak programme, which focuses on cyber resilience and the protection of essential services through collaboration with international partners.
OpenAI has been expanding its engagement with public institutions as governments examine the potential applications and risks of advanced AI systems.
Driscoll's appointment adds a dedicated advisory role to these efforts, with an emphasis on connecting technological capabilities with operational requirements, policy development and national security priorities.
The company has not disclosed the financial terms of the appointment or a specific timeline for the initiatives Driscoll will oversee.
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