The US Military is set on becoming a leader in AI technology, and a new career path is opening for officers to spearhead its automation initiatives. Starting in January, the Army will begin accepting applications from current officers for the new AI/ML concentration, as outlined in a recent announcement. The goal is to reclassify candidates by the end of fiscal year 2026.

Officer training will be intensive, giving candidates hands-on experience with the Army’s advanced AI systems. The Army already works with companies like OpenAI and Palantir in AI development but lacks a specialized team of officers to maximize these technologies.

A key figure in this transition is Young Bang, who emphasized the Army’s intention to adopt third-party AI technology swiftly. The creation of an in-house AI/ML force is a strategic move to ensure these technologies are integrated effectively, maintaining the Army’s competitive edge.

Current officers can apply, with preference given to those with strong academic and technical backgrounds in AI/ML. The role of AI officers will be critical, as they will manage the deployment and optimization of AI systems across all military operations.