May 5, 2026
In this episode of the Fed Gov Today Podcast, former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) Director Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and former National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Director Vice Adm. Trey Whitworth explore the evolution and future of Project Maven, particularly as Maven Smart System (MSS) transitions into a formal program of record at the Pentagon.
Shanahan begins by reflecting on Maven’s early days, explaining that it originally operated without stable funding or formal designation. At the time, the team had to continuously seek financial support, often competing internally within the Department of Defense. While Congress proved supportive, the lack of a dedicated funding line made scaling the effort difficult. He emphasizes that becoming a program of record fundamentally changes that reality, providing stability, structure, and a clearer path for long-term development and deployment.
Whitworth builds on that point by describing NGA’s role in formalizing Maven as a program of record in 2023. He explains that NGA Maven encompassed not just the software, but the broader enterprise supporting it. This includes infrastructure, data management, and the integration of intelligence workflows—particularly within the targeting cycle. He highlights how Maven helps manage massive volumes of visual data, enabling analysts and operators to process and interpret information more efficiently.
Both leaders agree that the transition of Maven Smart System into a program of record represents a natural progression. With wider adoption across combatant commands and military services, MSS no longer requires individual units to secure their own funding. Instead, it becomes an enterprise capability with standardized support and accountability.
The conversation then shifts to Maven’s broader implications, particularly its potential connection to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Shanahan notes that references to both MSS and JADC2 in recent Pentagon discussions signal a possible future where Maven evolves from a decision-support tool into a core command-and-control capability. Whitworth reinforces this idea, explaining that Maven’s ability to reduce “entropy” for commanders—by organizing complex data into a usable format—makes it valuable across intelligence, operations, and command functions.
A key theme throughout the discussion is the concept of human-machine integration. Shanahan points out that traditional views of collaboration have focused too heavily on hardware, while today’s environment requires a more flexible and context-driven approach. He suggests that the balance between human judgment and machine assistance will vary depending on mission urgency, risk, and complexity.
Looking ahead, both Shanahan and Whitworth express excitement about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Shanahan outlines a progression from perception to context to reasoning, noting that the integration of large language models introduces a powerful new layer of analysis. These tools can help synthesize vast amounts of information and support more informed decision-making, though he acknowledges that the technology is still developing.
Whitworth adds that future applications could extend across the entire targeting cycle, including predictive analytics and logistics planning. He emphasizes that while AI can enhance decision-making, human oversight remains essential, guided by established rules of engagement and ethical frameworks.
The discussion also highlights the importance of training and governance. Whitworth describes NGA’s efforts to implement responsible AI training, ensuring that personnel understand both the capabilities and limitations of the technology. Shanahan agrees, stressing that education and experimentation—especially in non-combat environments—are critical to preparing operators for real-world use.
Ultimately, both leaders present Maven Smart System as a transformative capability that continues to evolve. With increased funding stability, expanding integration, and advancing AI technologies, Maven is positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of military operations.