U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) is briefed on an exhibit of Multi-Domain Autonomous systems by Alexander Lovett (L), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Prototyping and Experimentation and Emil Michael (R), Under Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering, at the Pentagon July 16, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Michael just announced a new "War Force" initiative. Win McNamee / Getty

June 30, 2026

• Artificial Intelligence

The Pentagon on Tuesday announced a new campaign to recruit hundreds of young programmers for AI and engineering challenges, according to an advance notice seen by Defense One.

“War Force is a call to action for patriotic forward-deployed engineers who want to serve their country and the warfighter,” Defense Department CTO Emil Michael said in a statement viewed by Defense One. 

Successful applicants, referred to in this OPM job listing for a “forward deployed engineer(s),” will work for two-year stints to implement the department’s AI Acceleration Strategy as well as other critical IT needs. Most of the positions will be based in Washington, D.C., and candidates should be able to hold a top-secret clearance.

The “War Force” is a part of a broader push between the White House and participating tech companies to bring early-stage software talent into the federal government, an effort dubbed “Tech Force.”

Those selected to participate will work with a variety of teams on implementing frontier AI, machine learning, automation, scaling new software tools and solving other critical IT needs across the military and the Department.

War Force recruits will “join a cohort of individuals that receive leadership training, get exposure to America's top technology CEOs and gain unparalleled exposure to policymaking and national-scale impact,” according to the listing. “This may include CEO fireside chats, networking events, coding training/certificates, and other opportunities.”