AI in the Department of War
ASC presents a deep conversation on AI in the Department of War.
The Pentagon has elevated AI command-and-control systems like the $1.3 billion Maven Smart System to programs of record, and personal AI assistants and agents are next in line across the force. Where are the real AI budget lines moving, how does the Department of War buy these tools, and where can new entrants win alongside enterprise incumbents? Join the Abelian Security Council for a candid conversation with the former Director of the Air Force–MIT AI Accelerator on where military AI goes from here.
On the table
Lab to field: why so much promising AI research stalls before it reaches operators, and what actually gets it across the gap
Agents in uniform: where personal AI assistants and agents could fit across the force, from the staff and back office to operations
Follow the money: where AI dollars are moving in the budget, and which acquisition pathways are working
Startups vs. incumbents: where new entrants can win, and where they get stuck
Trust and guardrails: security, data, and accountability questions that will decide how far and how fast adoption goes
Speaker
Col. (Ret.) Scott Ruppel spent 23 years in the Air Force, with a heavy focus on logistics and acquisition, most recently as Director of the Department of the Air Force–MIT AI Accelerator from July 2024 to July 2026. There he led a team of 15 Airmen and Guardians working alongside more than 250 researchers at MIT and MIT Lincoln Laboratory to develop AI technologies relevant to the Air Force and Space Force.
Earlier roles include Defense Resource Manager in the Force Structure, Resources, and Assessments Directorate (J8) on the Joint Staff (2022 to 2024), Materiel Leader and F-35 Low Rate Initial Production Program Manager (2020 to 2021), Commander of the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base (2018 to 2020), and Program Element Monitor roles at the Pentagon (2015 to 2018). He deployed three times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Today Scott advises defense technology startups in the Boston national defense ecosystem on go-to-market strategy.
Moderator: Owen Davies, CEO of the ASC
Submit questions for Scott when you register and no later than Friday, November 6. We'll do our best to make sure submitted questions are answered, but we can't guarantee every question will be covered.
Good to know
Admission is subject to pre-qualification criteria.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Attendees remain anonymous, and the session is held under the Chatham House rule.
A recording and transcript will not be available after the event.
Speakers participate in their capacity as private citizens. None of the views expressed are endorsed by political organizations, government, military, or current and prior employers. Events are for informational purposes only. Nothing discussed is investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation.