War Department Launches Google's Gemini AI to Modernize Military Operations
On December 9, 2025, the War Department initiated GenAI.mil, marking the integration of Google Gemini for Government into military use. This deployment represents the first generative AI implementation across the entire War Department.
Google's Gemini system has received IL5 authorization, enabling it to handle sensitive but unclassified Department of Defense (DoD) data. The access for this AI extends to more than three million civilian and military personnel, reflecting its broad adoption within the department.
This rollout supports the Pentagon's broader strategy of expanding AI capabilities across the military, aligning with the AI Action Plan issued in July, which aims to accelerate AI adoption and cultivate an AI-first workforce. The DoD's AI and machine learning investments for 2025 include a budget request of $1.8 billion and partnerships designed to speed access to advanced AI models.
Google has assured that military data used within the system will not contribute to training its public AI models. The Gemini system is poised to streamline onboarding, contracting, and policy analysis, with future plans to incorporate additional models as the DoD continues expanding AI use.
This initiative follows shifts within the industry regarding military access to AI models, with companies such as Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, and Google revising their policies accordingly.
However, watchdog groups have raised concerns about the rapid and large-scale deployment, citing insufficient testing and oversight. The CDT has highlighted potential harms, whereas Quinn Anex-Ries warned of risks including confusion and vendor lock-in.
Neither the Department of War nor Google provided further comments beyond public statements. Government leadership emphasizes AI's centrality to modern military capabilities.
