Pentagon seeks new recruits in Silicon Valley

The Defense Department is redefining service to your country, which might not include wearing a uniform anymore.

With a novel initiative named the US Tech Force, the federal government is appealing to college students and Silicon Valley's top talent to allocate two years to enhancing government systems, filling roles as engineers, data scientists, and tech leaders.

"We're aiming to bring in thousands of fresh graduates for a two-year commitment — making it a form of national service for technologists rather than soldiers," expressed Emil Michael, the defense undersecretary for research and engineering and the agency's chief technology officer, on the No Priors podcast hosted by venture capitalists Sarah Guo and Elad Gil. 

Michael is a former chief business officer at Uber. "We plan to make it a mark of pride," he stated.

The Office of Personnel Management, now led by former VC Scott Kupor, is organising this introductory career program alongside other federal departments, including Defense. 

Salaries are expected to be from about $130,000 to $195,000, Kupor revealed in December.

The initiative unveiled in December, joins a legacy of Silicon Valley efforts that propel students from classrooms into executive suites. 

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was renowned for bringing youthful dynamism and a swift-style approach to Capitol Hill. 

Palantir's Meritocracy Fellowship urged high school students to "bypass the college indoctrination" to earn a "Palantir Degree."

Michael shared with Guo that he personally scouts candidates, dedicating "recruiting Tuesdays" to connect with investor friends about individuals "waiting on the sidelines" and tech experts within his circle who recently left a role: "I ask, 'Hey, do you have a year to commit to doing the most exciting work you can imagine?'"