New AI guidance from the White House establishes a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in national security, but leaders from the Defense Department and the industry emphasize the need for more investment in foundational infrastructure to fully leverage AI's potential. President Biden's recent memo provides directives for national security and intelligence agencies on effectively utilizing AI to advance U. S. interests. It warns that without decisive and collaborative action with industry and academia, the U. S. risks falling behind strategic rivals in AI capabilities. Army CTO Alex Miller noted concerns about insufficient access to vital technologies such as cloud computing, which is hindering the Defense Department's adoption of AI. He called for increased national investment in this infrastructure for large-scale AI deployment.

Similarly, Matt Steckman, Chief Revenue Officer at Anduril, argued for a comprehensive national strategy to maintain U. S. leadership in AI ahead of competitors like China. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan acknowledged existing gaps in AI research funding and pledged to work with Congress for increased investment in innovation, highlighting bipartisan support for these efforts. The White House emphasizes the critical need to build trust in AI, urging national security agencies to implement safeguards that uphold civil rights and democratic values. This includes establishing trusted sources for AI inquiries, workforce training, safety standards, and compliance with federal laws on equity and consumer protection. The memo highlights AI's potential benefits and risks, advocating for thorough assessments of the AI talent pool, competitiveness of U. S. companies, and barriers to key infrastructure development. It also directs the Director of National Intelligence to collaborate with the DOD to identify vulnerabilities in the AI supply chain and create risk mitigation strategies, while establishing a working group to enhance AI safety metrics, acquisition efforts, and support for a robust AI industrial base.