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

The House Armed Services Committee’s report accompanying the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act said the panel “believes the rate of military suicide is unacceptably high and that a new approach is required to solve this pervasive problem.”

The roughly $900 billion defense policy bill approved by House lawmakers on Wednesday evening includes a directive for the Pentagon to explore the use of artificial intelligence capabilities to support the mental health of military personnel. 

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.”

Although the 3,086 page bill does not directly include this mandate, the House ...