The US National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) has released its final report to the US Congress and the President, proposing a 'strategy to get the United States AI-ready by 2025'. The commission notes that the USA 'must act now to field AI systems and invest substantially more resources in AI innovation to protect its security, promote its prosperity, and safeguard the future of democracy'. It proposes a strategy focused on two key pillars: (1) 'Defending America in the AI era' -with suggested measures for the USA to defend itself against AI-related threats and to responsibly use AI technology to protection the American people and interests; (2) 'Winning the technology competition' -with recommendations for actions to promote AI innovation, improve national competitiveness, and protect critical US advantages. Some of the commission's recommendations include defending against emerging AI-enabled threats to the free and open society; preparing for future warfare; managing risks associated with AI-enabled and autonomous weapons; scaling up digital talent in government; presenting a democratic model of AI use for national security; developing a White House-led strategy for technology competition; accelerating AI innovation at home; and building a favourable international technology order. In NSCAI's view, four pillars require immediate action: leadership (recommending, for instance, the setting up of a Technology Competitiveness at the White House); talent (highlighting the need to retain and build new talent, and expand existing programmes in government); hardware (noting the need to revitalise domestic semiconductor manufacturing and ensuring that the USA is 'two generations ahead of China'); and innovation (calling for increased investment in AI research).