Pentagon office for AI oversight is understaffed, government watchdog finds

The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office is significantly understaffed, hindering it from fully implementing the Pentagon’s Responsible AI. Col. Deedrick Reese, deputy commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, speaks during an artificial intelligence workshop at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on July 23, 2026. (Paul Shirk/U.S. Air Force) The Pentagon office tasked with coordinating the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence to better cope with the technology’s swift advances is significantly understaffed, according to a government watchdog. Staff shortages in the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office have hindered it from fully implementing the Pentagon’s Responsible AI, the Government Accountability Office said in an Oct. 14 report.

Responsible AI is the Defense Department’s integrated ethical framework for development, deployment and operation of AI capabilities across both combat and non-combat systems. The office is the lead in matters related to the Defense Department’s adoption and integration of AI, including Responsible AI, the GAO report states. Staffing shortages, however, have hamstrung the office, with only three of its 10 authorized positions filled as of February, the GAO reported. Defense officials told the GAO that the positions are not likely to be filled. Rapid AI development has challenged governing bodies around the world as the technology outpaces traditional legislative oversight and human supervision. Some AI industry leaders have called for