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Record STMT-W46A1B2Aspirational

Summary of the 2018 Department of Defense Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Strategy State lawNorthern America · USadopted

This document outlines the U.S. Department of Defense's strategy to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance national security and operational effectiveness. It establishes the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to lead enterprise-wide AI initiatives, focusing on mission-critical applications, workforce development, ethical AI principles, and external partnerships. The strategy emphasizes human-centered AI deployment to protect servicemembers, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive military advantage against strategic competitors.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

United States Department of DefenseGovernment (executive) · US
Lead issuer
Legal forceAspirational
Under whose authorityState law
Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

National governmentPublic sector bodiesAI developers and providersAI deployers and usersResearchers and academics

This document is for defense personnel, policymakers, industry partners, and researchers seeking to understand the U.S. military's priorities and approach to artificial intelligence.

Sectors
Defence and security · defense and national securityPublic administration · Department of Defense operations and business processesResearch and science · AI research and development

What the document contains

What's covered

The document addresses the strategic integration of artificial intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense, covering mission capability delivery, enterprise scaling through common infrastructure, workforce training and recruitment, public-private partnerships, and military ethics and safety.

What's missing

The text does not provide detailed technical specifications, binding legal regulations for commercial entities, or comprehensive step-by-step implementation manuals.

Key takeaways
  • The Department of Defense must accelerate AI adoption to maintain a strategic military advantage and protect national security.
  • The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) serves as the focal point for scaling AI impact across the Department.
  • AI will be applied to improve situational awareness, predictive maintenance, safety, and business processes in a human-centered manner.
  • The strategy prioritizes robust private sector, academic, and international partnerships to advance defense AI innovation.
  • The DoD commits to leading in military ethics, safety, and compliance with the Law of War regarding AI applications.
Principles it states
Use AI in a human-centered manner to support and protect U.S. servicemembers and citizens.Develop and use AI technologies in ways that advance security, peace, and stability.Ensure AI systems are resilient, robust, reliable, secure, and ethical.
Outline
· PREFACE
· INTRODUCTION
· STRATEGIC APPROACH
· STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
· CONCLUSION
Issued2018
Length5,453 words · 17 pages
FormatNot recorded
Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

3/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

The Directive requires that autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems be designed to allow commanders and operators to exercise appropriate levels of human judgment over the use of force.

Leading in military ethics and AI safety

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

2/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

In order to ensure DoD AI systems are safe, secure, and robust , we will fund research into AI systems that have a lower risk of accidents; are more resilient , including to hacking and adversarial spoofing; demonstrate less unexpected behavior; and minimize bias.

Leading in military ethics and AI safety

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

The Directive requires that autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems be designed to allow commanders and operators to exercise appropriate levels of human judgment over the use of force.

Leading in military ethics and AI safety

screening score · 2026-10-24

Privacy

1/5

Protection of personal data and private life

Specifically, AI can enhance our ability to predict, identify, and respond to cyber and physical threats from a range of sources

AI will benefit both the Department and the Nation

screening score · 2026-10-24

Transparency

3/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

We will continue funding research and development for “explainable AI” so users can understand the basis of AI outputs.

Leading in military ethics and AI safety

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

1/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Facilitate AI planning, policy, governance, ethics, safety, cybersecurity, and multilateral coordination;

The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is a focal point of the DoD AI Strategy

screening score · 2026-10-24

Impact Assessment

3/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Realizing this vision requires identifying appropriate use cases for AI across DoD, rapidly piloting solutions, and scaling successes across our enterprise.

PREFACE

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

Physical AI Governancesupporting
defense_ai military_ethics ai_strategy ai_workforce joint_artificial_intelligence_center