Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence Stephen Cambone made a rare public appearance Wednesday, speaking at the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis’ Fletcher Conference in Washington about the ongoing efforts to overhaul the Intelligence Community. In case anyone had doubts, Cambone noted that John Negroponte, director of the newly created national intelligence post, is the “undisputed leader” of intel. Negroponte, said Cambone, has authority over budget, programs, personnel, and DOD has welcomed his guidance. “Change is coming” for DOD’s alphabet soup of intel entities (NSA, NGA, NRO, DIA, and others), asserted Cambone, adding, “The security of the nation demands it.” He believes intelligence reforms are essential to provide the capability needed by US and coalition forces in today’s and future operations. “We have no choice,” Cambone stated bluntly.
Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Pentagon, spent his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 19 pressing his civilian bona fides to lawmakers, with some pledging opposition to the waiver Austin would need to become the nation’s first Black Defense Secretary. Austin spent 40 years in the military…