Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll outlines transformation plans at AUSA 2025

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

October 29, 2025

 

Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll presented a broad transformation agenda for the U.S. Army during his address at the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 13.

 

The AUSA annual meeting, one of the largest land warfare events in the world, drew more than 44,000 attendees, 750 exhibits and representatives from 92 countries. This three-day event brings together defense and industry leaders to discuss developments shaping national security and modernization.

 

Driscoll’s opening remarks addressed longstanding institutional challenges, acquisition inefficiencies and the need to modernize the Army’s approach to readiness and technology. He emphasized the need to realign Army priorities around operational readiness, innovation and direct support to soldiers.

 

“We’re at a turning point where old tools aren’t enough,” Driscoll said. “Tasks that took months can now be done in hours with generative AI and advanced tech. This is about transforming how we prepare and empower our soldiers to win future battles.”

 

Driscoll described an inflection point for the Army as rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and unmanned systems reshape the global security environment. He cautioned that outdated systems and slow acquisition processes hinder the Army’s ability to adapt.

 

“Our adversaries are using AI, robotics and autonomy to change warfare,” he said. “If we don’t act fast and innovate, we risk falling behind. It’s time to break free from complacency and invest boldly.”

 

Citing inefficiencies in past acquisition programs, Driscoll noted that several initiatives over the last three decades had failed to deliver results despite significant investment. He noted a technological gap between commercial innovation and military adaptation, pointing out that some platforms and systems still in use date back decades.

 

To accelerate modernization, Driscoll introduced the “Continuous Transformation” initiative launched in May 2025, aimed at streamlining Army processes by eliminating outdated programs and accelerating technology acquisition.

 

Driscoll also announced a new funding model called FUSE, designed to provide venture-capital-style investment into emerging defense technologies. This approach seeks to shorten development, procurement and fielding timelines, particularly by supporting non-traditional defense contractors to deliver operational capabilities faster.

 

“Our mission is to deliver soldiers the capabilities they need now — not years later,” Driscoll said. “The FUSE model brings agility and private-sector innovation to defense acquisition, ensuring soldiers have tech as good as what they use every day.”

 

Driscoll also announced efforts to consolidate acquisition authority under a single organization reporting directly to Army leadership to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate delivery of operational capabilities. Additional priorities include enhancing supply chain resilience and accelerating adoption of modular, open-architecture systems, and supporting in-house manufacturing capabilities..

 

He pointed to logistics inefficiencies as a major barrier to readiness, noting that soldiers often face long delays waiting for basic parts. Driscoll compared traditional supply chain costs with 3D printing production, saying that enabling the Army to manufacture and repair parts internally would save money and improve operational readiness.

 

Driscoll detailed the Army’s use of 3D printing as a transformative solution to logistical and maintenance challenges. By leveraging additive manufacturing, Driscoll said soldiers will soon be able to produce critical components on-site, reducing dependency on long supply chains and minimizing downtime in the field.

 

“We’re adopting innovative construction methods such as 3D printing concrete structures to cut costs and deliver facilities faster,” Driscoll said. “If demand exceeds what the Army can produce internally, soldiers will be able to download schematics, manufacture parts and install them directly in the field.”

 

Addressing the emerging role of drones in modern conflict, Driscoll noted their growing role in modern conflict, citing lessons from ongoing wars and integration efforts. He introduced GIANTA 401, a new counter-drone task force leading national efforts to protect critical infrastructure in partnership with government agencies and industry.

 

“Drones combine AI, materials, propulsion and sensors, and will dominate 21st-century warfare,” Driscoll said. “GIANTA 401 leads our critical efforts to protect soldiers and homeland from this evolving threat.”

 

Driscoll also acknowledged soldier feedback on living conditions, including food quality and facility standards. He highlighted ongoing reforms, such as pilot programs to improve dining services and test cost-saving construction methods for barracks and support facilities.

 

He closed with a call for institutional transformation urging leaders to prioritize actions that directly benefit soldiers and sustain combat effectiveness. He stressed the importance of adapting not only how the Army fights but also how it equips and supports its personnel.

 

“Americans are courageously stepping forward to serve, and our army should reflect the greatness of that choice,” Driscoll said. “We will continuously transform how we fight, how we build and how we care for our soldiers.”