Pentagon moves AI office under R&D, raising fears it’s ‘demoting AI’

Service members with U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command use artificial intelligence to accomplish a practical exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Marleah Miller)

By Sydney J Freedberg • Aug 19, 2025

Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg has ordered a major overhaul of the military’s artificial intelligence efforts, including a reorganization that some former officials worry could be seen as a demotion for the Pentagon’s main AI office.

Feinberg’s Aug. 14 memo launches three major reviews over the next 60 to 120 days and subordinates the Chief Digital & AI Office (CDAO) — which had reported directly to Feinberg — to the Pentagon’s new R&D chief, Emil Michael, “effective immediately.”

“This realignment will not create additional review layers or bureaucratic processes,” a defense official told Breaking Defense after confirming the change. “CDAO will continue to execute all current statutory responsibilities without interruption during this transition.”