NDAA includes directive for DOD to prioritize use of AI for mental health needs

"According to a legislative summary of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act released by the House Armed Services Committee, the measure improves servicemembers' access to mental health services by, in part, calling for the Defense Department "to prioritize the development and incorporation of artificial intelligence to keep pace with the constantly evolving nature of mental health needs across the force.""

""The committee is aware of ongoing efforts to address and mitigate mental health concerns that are unique to the environments military personnel operate and live within; however, the committee also acknowledges that an increased modernization effort is needed to approach the evolving nature of mental health and suicide across the force," it added. The lawmakers specifically referenced the U.S. Air Force's"

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes a directive for the Defense Department to prioritize development and incorporation of artificial intelligence to address evolving mental health needs across the force. The House Armed Services Committee called the military suicide rate unacceptably high and said a new approach and increased modernization efforts are needed. The committee noted ongoing efforts unique to military environments but urged modernization to address mental health and suicide. Lawmakers referenced the Air Force's SAVES pilot with Accenture Federal Services, which uses AI to analyze variables to identify servicemembers in crisis and prompt timely interventions.

Read at Nextgov.com