As deputy assistant secretary of war for science and technology foundations in the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, Jake Glassman oversees all foundational initiatives within the Department of War S&T enterprise.
But the job doesn’t end at the office. Glassman says he’ll spend part of the summer studying the dynamics of massive technological revolutions as he anticipates big AI disruptions. That doesn’t mean he won’t fit in a few good reads, tee times, Spartan Runs or a family lake trip.
Glassman is the next guest in WashingtonExec’s Summer Q&A Series, where we ask government leaders five questions about how they recharge, stay sharp and keep the mission moving during the year’s most relaxed season.
What’s your beach reading for the summer?
Non-Fiction: Jack Carr’s “The Devil’s Hand”
Fiction: Winston Churchill’s “The World Crisis”
The Jack Carr novels are gripping, and I really love how he uses realistic equipment and maneuvers so it doesn’t jump the shark but also gives you good entertainment of what could be. For non-fiction, I am a World War One total nerd, especially understanding the leaders and what they went through to give me perspective. I loved Winston Churchill’s commentary on World War 2 as he really makes you understand the personalities involved and the dynamics that a standard, documentary history just can’t do so I can’t wait to read about his World War 1 experience.
Where are you traveling this summer for vacation? What’s your favorite location?
My happy place is Key West, Florida, but unfortunately, I don’t think I will be able to go this year. I take the family up to New Hampshire and hang out on a lake up there for a week. The kids love it, and it is an incredibly peaceful place to reset your mind from the rat race of D.C.
What’s one personal and professional goal you’d like to accomplish this summer?
Personally, I’d like to improve my golf game and complete a few Spartan Runs. Professionally, I would like to research and study more about the dynamics of massive technological revolutions (e.g. steam engine, jet flight, electricity) as I see the current AI revolution bringing up the same level of changes. It ultimately will be for the better, I believe, but there are growing pains along the way. History has shown us this is just another massive technological leap for us as a society.
Are there any new skills or knowledge you plan to develop during the summer?
I would like to learn how to code more Agentic Agents for personal use. As leaders, we tend to manage large technology portfolios but don’t get our hands dirty enough to understand the applications. Software coding goes back to my roots working on the Seawolf Class Submarine Ship Control System, so I think it’ll be a great way to be grounded and keep my technical skills somewhat fresh.
How do you stay connected with your team and maintain productivity during the summer season?
I think it’s important as a leader to enable your team to spend time with their family when it’s optimal. The Summer is a great time to reset and recharge so we can still execute our DoW mission with full force. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so respecting that time with the team is critical, as a lot is expected of them. That ultimately enhances productivity.