Pentagon Orders Review of Software Engineering Structure
Under Secretary Emil Michael has directed a board to study how the Department of War delivers digital engineering and software to warfighters.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Military
Emil Michael, under secretary of war for research and engineering, directed the Science, Technology and Innovation Board to study the organizational structure of DOW digital engineering and software delivery in a memorandum dated October 27. The study also will assess the value of commercial cloud and AI services on classified networks.
Why it matters
Fragmented, layered organizations and slow acquisition processes can limit how quickly software and software-as-a-service offerings reach warfighters. The study fulfills a Section 907 requirement in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and reflects the department's effort to move new capabilities to warfighters faster.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Board, expanded to 33 members in May, must start its study within 30 days of the October 27 memo and finish within 12 months of first meetings unless it receives an extension. The recommendations, which will weigh costs and trade-offs of each organizational option, remain unknown until the board reports.
The players
Emil Michael
Emil Michael serves as under secretary of war for research and engineering, overseeing the department's technology and innovation priorities.
Science, Technology and Innovation Board
The Science, Technology and Innovation Board is a advisory body that provides independent technical counsel on defense research and engineering.
The details
The board's permanent subcommittee on national security innovation will conduct the study and present findings to the full board at public meetings. The board will submit recommendations to Michael as sponsor, including a transition plan with implementation milestones, funding needs and any required legislative or regulatory changes.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Michael signed the memorandum directing the study.
Within 30 days of signing: The study is scheduled to begin.
Up to 12 months from first meetings: The study must reach its final briefing or report.
February 4, 2027: The Defense R&D Summit will hold panel discussions on trusted AI and related topics.
Policy Context
The study fulfills a specific requirement under Section 907 of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. It applies that statute to the department's efforts to speed delivery of software and AI capabilities to warfighters.
The study could change how software and AI tools reach service members and defense contractors. Any resulting reorganization would be proposed to the department through a board-developed transition plan with funding estimates.
The takeaway
Faster delivery of software to warfighters depends on how the department reorganizes its acquisition and engineering structures, which this study will examine.
What happens next
The study will begin within 30 days of the memo's signing, and the Defense R&D Summit panel on trusted AI is scheduled for February 4, 2027.
Further reading
For broader context on Pentagon technology policy, see Military.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
