Ryan Hetrick
GenAI.mil Task Force Lead
Department of War
The Pentagon | Washington, DC

AI, Warfighters, and American Power

 

I am a U.S. Army Cyber Officer currently serving as the GenAI.mil Task Force Lead at the Pentagon, where I work to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the Department of War. Our mission is simple: identify high-impact opportunities, embed with operational units, build AI-enabled workflows, and help warfighters move faster.

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My work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, military operations, and national power. Rather than focusing solely on the future of AI, I focus on its application today. I help military personnel integrate emerging technologies into real-world missions where speed, trust, and operational effectiveness matter.

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Throughout my career, I have worked to bridge the gap between technical innovation and operational execution. Whether developing AI governance frameworks, evaluating frontier models, or deploying with units to build practical solutions, my focus has remained the same: turning emerging technology into real-world advantage for the United States.

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I earned a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where my research focused on U.S. artificial intelligence policy and the strategic challenges surrounding innovation, competition, and national security. My thesis, U.S. AI Policy – A Balancing Act, examined how America can accelerate AI innovation while preserving democratic values, security, and strategic advantage.

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My leadership philosophy was shaped at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where I served as Captain of the Army Division I Wrestling Team. Wrestling taught me that meaningful results come from discipline, resilience, and a willingness to step into difficult arenas. Those lessons continue to guide my approach to leadership, technology, and service.

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I believe the defining challenge of our generation is ensuring that the United States remains the world's leading technological power. America's advantage will not come from hesitation or bureaucracy. It will come from leaders willing to innovate, take responsibility, and execute.

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Beyond my professional work, I support student-athletes and emerging leaders through the RTH Foundation, which promotes education, faith, discipline, and service. Across every endeavor, my goal remains constant: helping build the people, institutions, and technologies that will strengthen America for generations to come.