Hegseth Introduces AI Tool for War Department
On December 8, 2025, several employees at the Pentagon received an unexpected pop-up on their computers inviting them to engage with a new artificial intelligence tool created for the War Department. Initially, there was skepticism among some personnel about the legitimacy of the invitation, with concerns that it might be part of a cybersecurity test.
However, those doubts dissipated by the following morning. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sent out an email affirming the authenticity of the new platform, GenAI.mil, encouraging all employees to begin utilizing this tool. “I am pleased to introduce GenAI.mil, a secure generative AI platform for every member of the Department of War,” Hegseth wrote in an upbeat message. “It is live today and available on the desktops of all military personnel, civilians, and contractors. With this launch, we are taking a giant step toward mass AI adoption across the department. This tool marks the beginning of a new era, where every member of our workforce can be more efficient and impactful.”
Users accessing the platform will notice that it features a tailored version of Google AI’s Gemini, known as Gemini for Government. This iteration is designed to manage controlled unclassified information, with clear guidelines prominently displayed via a green banner at the top of the page to ensure users are aware of what is permissible to share.
Moreover, the platform promises the introduction of other advanced American AI technologies in the near future. Emil Michael, the undersecretary of war for research and engineering, emphasized the urgency and importance of this deployment: “There is no prize for second place in the global race for AI dominance. We are moving rapidly to deploy powerful AI capabilities like Gemini for Government directly to our workforce. AI is America’s next manifest destiny, and we’re ensuring that we dominate this new frontier.”
Access to GenAI is restricted to personnel with a common access card who are connected to the War Department’s nonclassified network. When posed with the question, “How will you help the Department of War achieve its mission?” GenAI provided a comprehensive list of capabilities including creating and refining documents, analyzing information, processing satellite images, and auditing computer code for security measures. It asserted its readiness to assist in various mission requirements, emphasizing the necessity for users to verify accuracy in all outputs.
Hegseth further validated the tool’s capabilities, highlighting how it could aid in writing documents, conducting detailed research, and enhancing workflow efficiencies. “I expect every member of the department to log in, learn it, and incorporate it into your workflows immediately. AI should be in your battle rhythm every single day; it should be your teammate. By mastering this tool, we will outpace our adversaries,” he asserted.
For individuals unfamiliar with using AI, online training resources are available at hosted by the Defense Department.