Following the National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency’s recent workforce restructuring after last year’s DOGE reductions, the agency’s associate operations director highlighted that job applicants must possess AI proficiency.
“We’re hiring now, and every single new person we bring on board must demonstrate capability in AI and data management,” said Rear Admiral Michael Baker at the Defense One Tech Summit. “Each new hire is required to complete AI and data‑management training.”
Baker stressed that existing staff are not exempt. “Every current employee must also undergo AI training to ensure our entire workforce operates within the realities of this evolving ecosystem,” he added.
Agency leaders are exploring the integration of AI across various operations, including human resources. According to Baker, such automation would alleviate the administrative burden on personnel. He also noted concerns raised by a deputy director of human development about overreliance on AI potentially eroding staff skills.
Baker currently uses an AI agent at work and envisions it becoming an integral part of his training. “The ideal scenario is that this agent also assists in training me,” he said. “We collaborate in real time to solve problems, leveraging the generative capabilities of advanced AI. Historically, we used machines to comprehend history; now we employ them to anticipate and understand the future.”
He observed that AI agents might eventually support high‑level strategic planning and help navigate the intense demands of the intelligence community when assessing risk.
Baker acknowledged the delicate balance required when adopting new technology. “We aim to innovate rapidly while maintaining security and avoiding chaos,” he said. “It’s a complex pace, posing significant challenges for leadership, yet it remains an engaging domain.”
According to the agency’s website, the NGA employs approximately 14,500 civilian, military, and contract personnel. Precise figures on staff reductions during the Trump administration’s budget cuts remain classified, as reported by Reuters.
