Former CISA and FEMA officials have laid out a framework to ensure AI tools are selected with risk management and operational readiness in mind.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, but a force multiplier shaping national security operations in real time, from TSA's screening analytics to FEMA's disaster assessment models.
The question is no longer whether agencies should adopt AI tools, but how to do so responsibly, securely, and effectively.
The stakes are high, as a flawed AI decision can erode public trust, introduce systemic bias, or cause mission failure, while a "wait and see" approach guarantees that adversaries and emerging threats will outpace defenses.
Selecting an AI tool is a strategic risk-management decision that directly affects operational readiness, rather than just an IT procurement.
Author's summary: Framework for selecting AI tools.