US lawmakers are pushing to speed up the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the military to keep America ahead of global rivals.
Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act, legislation that would allow the Pentagon to create and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute.
The institute would focus on defense innovation, AI readiness, and workforce development, anchoring military AI research at US Senior Military Colleges.
If enacted, the bill would codify elements of President Donald Trump’s 2025 AI Action Plan, which called for turning military education institutions into centers for AI research, development, and talent-building.
A companion bill led by Rep. Ronny Jackson has already cleared the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
AI-Powered Homegrown Defense
The initiative responds to intensifying competition with China.
Lawmakers warned that falling behind in AI could compromise US decision-making superiority, making a homegrown defense-oriented AI workforce essential.
Under the proposal, the institute would bridge academia, government, and industry to speed the integration of advanced AI into defense systems and intelligence operations, addressing reports that the US military is lagging behind Russia and China.
In addition to this initiative, the US Navy is rolling out an AI Master’s degree by July 2026, aiming to boost the AI know-how of future military leaders.
