The U.S. Department of War has taken significant steps to enhance military capabilities and support for service members, announcing a series of initiatives last week. These include the launch of an artificial intelligence platform, increased housing allowances, and strengthened global alliances among key partners.
On December 9, the Department introduced GenAI.mil, an innovative artificial intelligence platform aimed at integrating generative AI into military operations. The platform features Google Cloud’s Gemini for Government, which is now accessible to civilians, contractors, and military personnel worldwide. This rollout represents the first phase of what officials term an “AI-first” transformation, aligning with a mandate from President Donald Trump issued in July for enhanced U.S. technological superiority in AI.
According to Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, the deployment of AI capabilities across the Pentagon and military installations globally marks a critical shift towards operationalizing policy. He emphasized that “there is no prize for second place in the global race for AI dominance,” framing this initiative as central to maintaining military leadership. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed the Department’s commitment to leveraging AI as a “force multiplier,” enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
Strengthening Alliances and Housing Support
The following day, December 10, Secretary Hegseth convened senior defense officials from Australia and the United Kingdom at the Pentagon to reinforce the trilateral AUKUS partnership. Discussions with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey focused on advancing submarine cooperation and the development of new military capabilities. The leaders pledged to accelerate projects under AUKUS, emphasizing that timely delivery is crucial for the partnership’s long-term effectiveness.
On December 11, the Department announced a significant increase in basic housing allowances, which will rise by an average of 4.2 percent in 2026. This adjustment is projected to deliver approximately $29.9 billion to nearly one million service members, effective January 1. These new rates reflect updated rental market data across 299 military housing areas, including locations in Alaska and Hawaii.
Officials noted that the rate-setting process relies on various data sources, including census figures and commercial rental databases. Importantly, a rate protection measure will remain in place to prevent service members from experiencing reductions if local housing costs decline.
Commitment to Extended Deterrence
On the same day, U.S. and South Korean defense officials held the fifth meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group in Washington. This meeting reaffirmed commitments to extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula. The delegations, led by Dr. Robert Soofer, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, and Hong-Cheol Kim, South Korean Deputy Minister, discussed progress in nuclear policy coordination and joint military exercises.
Kim highlighted South Korea’s role in conventional defense, while Soofer reiterated U.S. commitments to providing extended deterrence, utilizing the full range of American defense capabilities. The group approved a work plan for early 2026, with plans to reconvene next year to assess progress.
Concluding the week, Hegseth had separate discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi regarding Japan’s defense investments and regional security, particularly concerning military activities from China. Both leaders reiterated the significance of the U.S.–Japan alliance in deterring aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcements from the Department of War reflect a comprehensive approach to modernizing military capabilities, enhancing alliances, and reinforcing deterrence. By integrating advanced technology with traditional military strength, the U.S. is signaling its commitment to staying ahead in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
