How the Pentagon Plays into Trump’s Sprawling Artificial Intelligence ‘Action Plan’

The White House has unveiled America’s AI Action Plan; a sweeping 19-point roadmap that positions artificial intelligence as a decisive factor in global power struggles, placing the Pentagon squarely at the heart of the initiative.

“The United States is in a race to achieve global dominance in artificial intelligence,” the plan opens, clearly identifying China as the primary strategic competitor.

Framing AI as a “winner-take-all” domain akin to the Cold War space race, the Action Plan emphasizes that the nation controlling the most advanced and expansive AI ecosystem will shape global standards and reap vast economic and military benefits.

Defense at the Core of the AI Race

While the plan spans sectors from international trade to domestic innovation, it assigns 19 policy recommendations directly involving the Department of Defense (DoD). These tasks range from internal modernization to coordinating national standards and interagency operations.

A standout directive tasks the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with leading a new interagency technology development initiative. Its focus: solving the mystery of how advanced AI models; especially generative large language models, produce their often unpredictable results.

“This lack of predictability can make it challenging to use advanced AI in defense or national security; where lives are at stake,” the report warns.

Responsible and Secure AI

Another central theme is “Responsible AI”; a Biden-era framework that, despite Trump overturning many of his predecessor’s executive orders, remains intact and is now central to the Action Plan. The plan calls for DoD to refine its Responsible AI and Generative AI frameworks and toolkits, offering a continuity of AI ethics between administrations.

The Pentagon is also tasked with leading or supporting several AI security-focused efforts:

• Creating technical standards for secure AI infrastructure
• Assisting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in developing AI assurance protocols
• Participating in cross-agency AI hackathons to test vulnerabilities

Building a Virtual Proving Ground

Among the most ambitious; and vague – items is the establishment of an “AI & Autonomous Systems Virtual Proving Ground.” It’s unclear whether this refers to a digital simulation environment or a physical testing site. The Plan suggests both possibilities, referencing geographic considerations while labeling the facility “virtual.”

This proving ground would serve as a national AI sandbox, allowing developers and agencies to rigorously test AI and autonomous systems before real-world deployment.

Military Education and Wartime Readiness

The plan also reimagines the DoD’s educational and strategic planning institutions. War colleges are to become AI research hubs, and the Pentagon must identify and automate workflows, both operational and bureaucratic.

In a nod to potential wartime scenarios, the plan gives DoD priority access to cloud computing services; essential for maintaining AI capabilities in conflict situations.

A Unified National Effort Led by Defense

While much of the AI Action Plan depends on cross-agency collaboration, the Pentagon’s role is disproportionately prominent; suggesting a future where the development and deployment of AI in the U.S. is inseparable from its military strategy.

From leading ethical standards to crafting secure AI architectures, the Defense Department is tasked not just with using AI; but shaping how America and its allies define its future.