Seekr Taps Retired Colonel to Scale AI for Army and SOCOM
Event summary
- Seekr appointed COL (Ret.) Joel Babbitt as VP Army and SOCOM Programs on February 26, 2026.
- Babbitt brings 30 years of DoD experience, including roles at Viasat and USSOCOM.
- He will focus on scaling decision-ready, explainable AI for warfighters.
- Babbitt previously led programs like NGC2 and a $2B Mobile Network opportunity at Viasat.
The big picture
Seekr's hire underscores the growing demand for trustworthy AI in defense, particularly as the Army and SOCOM prioritize next-generation command and control systems. Babbitt's background in large-scale DoD programs suggests Seekr is positioning itself to capitalize on multi-billion-dollar opportunities in tactical networking and electronic warfare. The move also highlights the strategic importance of explainable AI in environments where transparency and security are paramount.
What we're watching
- Contract Expansion
- How quickly Seekr can scale existing Army and SOCOM wins across other defense programs.
- AI Trustworthiness
- Whether Seekr's explainable AI can gain broader adoption in mission-critical environments.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which Babbitt can translate his DoD experience into tangible growth for Seekr.