Oklahoma National Guard Transforms Work Efficiency with AI Training Innovations

In May 2026, the Oklahoma Army National Guard embarked on a transformative journey, attending a two-day Skillquest AI Readiness Lab that would reshape their approach to operational efficiency. Among the attendees was Staff Sgt. Herbert Hailey, who stepped into the lab with no prior experience in AI tools. What happened during those two days was nothing short of extraordinary.

By the conclusion of the lab, Sgt. Hailey emerged with a sophisticated AI tool designed to streamline the military awards eligibility review process. This groundbreaking innovation is projected to save an astonishing 61,000 work hours annually across the Oklahoma National Guard. Such an achievement not only highlights the ingenuity present within the ranks but also showcases the power of proper training and education in technology.

The AI tool, built on the Army’s Vantage platform, automates an intricate task that traditionally burdened administrative personnel. Specifically, within the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, it eliminates 483 hours of labor per award cycle, allowing personnel to redirect their energies toward more critical aspects of their missions.

At the AI Readiness Lab, Hailey was not alone in his endeavors. Maj. Christopher Hales also made significant strides by creating a leadership data dashboard that has since become operational. His initiative is anticipated to save hundreds of hours annually for Senior Leaders, further underscoring the ripple effects of the lab’s innovative environment.

Both Hailey and Hales were formally recognized for their remarkable contributions, receiving accolades from General Steven S. Nordhaus and the National Guard Bureau. Their stories exemplify the profound impact that dedicated training can have on soldiers seeking to enhance their operational capabilities. Corbin Fonville, CEO of Skillquest, praised the participants’ rapid progress. “Watching these Soldiers go from zero to working tools against their own data in two days was genuinely impressive,” he remarked, reflecting on the intensity and success of the lab.

Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of Oklahoma, highlighted how Sgt. Hailey’s initiative represents a broader trend within the National Guard. “Guardsmen at every level are finding new ways to solve problems, improve efficiency and allow our Soldiers and Airmen to focus on what matters most—remaining ready to support our state and federal missions,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of innovative problem-solving.

Skillquest, an education company specializing in AI and coding, is at the forefront of this technological evolution. They organize AI Readiness Labs not just for the Oklahoma National Guard but also for military units across multiple states, allowing soldiers to gain hands-on experience and develop real-world solutions within a concentrated time frame.

As an organization, Skillquest aims to empower these individuals, ensuring they leave the lab equipped with practical tools that they can continue to build upon. The story of the Oklahoma National Guard serves as a testament to how military personnel can leverage advanced technology to reclaim valuable work hours and enhance overall readiness.

Future Soldiers interested in participating in Skillquest’s AI Readiness Labs can find additional information and registration options at skillquest.io/ailab. This initiative not only prepares soldiers for immediate tasks but also fosters a culture of innovation that will be crucial for the military in years to come.

This moment represents just the beginning of a larger movement within the military, highlighting the intersection of technology and operational excellence, and paving the way for a more efficient future in military operations.