Pentagon names 6 appointees to lead the CTO’s top technology efforts

January 31, 2026 - 01:50

The Department of Defense has unveiled its selections for six key positions within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. These appointees will lead the Pentagon's most urgent research and development initiatives, directly shaping the future of American military capability.

The officials will helm efforts across the DOD's designated Critical Technology Areas, a portfolio of advanced fields deemed essential for maintaining national security and technological superiority. This list includes cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum science, advanced materials, and next-generation wireless networks.

Their mandate is to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of these technologies across all military services. The move signals a concerted push to streamline innovation, bridge the gap between prototyping and production, and outpace strategic competitors in the global tech race. By centralizing leadership under the CTO, the Pentagon aims to foster greater synergy, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure the United States maintains a decisive edge on the battlefields of tomorrow. The appointments come at a pivotal time as the nature of warfare increasingly revolves around digital and technological dominance.