Arlon Smith

Defense Technology Executive | AI & Software-Defined Warfare | Strategic Growth & Transformation

If you're a founder, investor, or executive building a defense technology or AI company and looking for a leader who can build exceptional teams, move fast, and turn ambitious ideas into results, we should talk.

Available to start February 1, 2027

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Defense technology executive and Marine Corps Colonel with 25 years of leadership spanning combat operations, the Pentagon, CIA, and NSA. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, challenging the status quo, and turning ambitious ideas into operational capabilities. Selected by senior Marine Corps leadership to found and lead Project Dynamis, an initiative to accelerate AI-enabled command and control across the Service. Built the initiative from concept to execution, secured $50M+ in external RDT&E commitments, and championed Service-wide adoption of Palantir's Maven Smart System. Uniquely positioned to help ambitious defense technology and AI companies build exceptional teams, scale breakthrough technologies, and accelerate growth.

Marine Corps Colonel with 25 years of leadership spanning combat operations, the Pentagon, CIA, and NSA.

Project Dynamis

Accelerating AI-Powered Battle Management Command and Control

Built a Service-Level Transformation Initiative
Hand-selected by senior Marine Corps leadership to establish and lead Project Dynamis, a Service-level initiative to accelerate the development and adoption of AI-enabled battle management and next-generation command and control capabilities. Built the organization from the ground up, assembling a high-performing team, establishing strategy and governance, and leading an ambitious effort to transform how the Marine Corps develops, integrates, and employs emerging technologies.

Mobilized Resources & Built Strategic Partnerships
Mobilized more than $50 million in external research, development, test, and evaluation commitments within the first 90 days, accelerating experimentation and capability development. Built partnerships across the military Services, Department of War, and defense technology industry to align priorities, secure resources, and overcome institutional barriers to innovation.

Accelerated Innovation & Operational Capabilities
Led nine major experimentation events in the first year, bringing together operational forces, emerging technologies, and industry partners to rapidly develop, test, and refine next-generation battle management capabilities. Championed the Service-wide implementation of Palantir's Maven Smart System, building senior leadership consensus, securing resources, and driving adoption across the Marine Corps.

Led Change at the Highest Levels

Briefed the Commandant, Assistant Commandant, and other senior Marine Corps leaders regularly, shaping strategic priorities, informing consequential decisions, and securing support to accelerate execution. Led a Service-level effort spanning operational forces, acquisition organizations, technology developers, and senior leadership to challenge the status quo and accelerate the Marine Corps' transition toward AI-enabled, software-defined warfare.