Today, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) announced legislation they co-led, the AI Training for National Security Act, has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA).
The AI Training for National Security Act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to include information on the unique cybersecurity challenges created by artificial intelligence in its annual cybersecurity training for servicemembers and civilian employees.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the national security threat landscape,” said Larsen, who previously served on the Armed Services Committee for 22 years. “This legislation ensures that DoD meets this moment and prepares our armed forces for today’s challenges and opportunities.”
“The rapid development of AI threatens to outpace our ability to counter cyber threats to our nation’s security,” said Rep. Elfreth. “Our national security leaders – many of whom fight these global threats from CYBERCOMM headquarters at Fort Meade here in Maryland – must maintain the education and expertise to utilize rapidly developing technologies. I’m grateful to work with Representative Larsen to develop an AI strategy for our servicemembers.”
The House of Representatives will vote on the FY26 NDAA later today.
The full text of the AI Training for National Security Act is available HERE.
Larsen Champions AI Education for Servicemembers
The AI Training for National Security Act builds on Larsen's work to develop an AI education strategy for servicemembers.
In 2024, three provisions from Larsen’s Next Generation Military Education Act were included in the FY25 NDAA and became law. These provisions require:
- The DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer to provide an online AI education course;
- All military branches to participate in “Digital On-Demand,” the DoD’s initiative to accelerate AI knowledge; and
- The DoD to add an AI risks and threats section to its annual mandatory cybersecurity training.
The AI Training for National Security Act is the final remaining provision from the Next Generation Military Education Act that has yet to become law.
