Getting it Right

President Obama has done something of which I approve and applaud.  Although this particular action is a perfunctory one on his part, I’ll still give him props.

On the recommendation of the Secretary of Defense, the President has nominated Army Lt. General Keith Alexander, Director of the National Security Agency (DIRNSA), for elevation to the rank of full general.  The Senate must approve the nomination for the promotion to be final.

Additionally, the President has assigned LTG Alexander as Commander of the new U.S. CyberCommand – a sub-unified command under U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM).

Alexander will be NSA’s first four-star although others have gone on to be promoted once they left the agency.  The most recent was Air Force General Michael Hayden who, after his tenure at Ft. Meade, became the Principal Deputy to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and, subsequently, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Some believe General Hayden “saved” NSA because the Agency was revitalized during his term.  Hayden just happened to be at NSA during and immediately following the dismal Clinton years in which intelligence was disabled, disrespected and neglected.  Then came George W. Bush and 9/11.  Hayden used smooth persuasion and the first-ever active accommodation of the press to get Congress to increase funding.  That funding was desperately needed and Hayden’s efforts to get them were equally necessary.  But, unlike Alexander, Hayden was in it for himself and that fourth star.  He blew hundreds of millions of dollars on a project that was doomed from the start – as was revealed in his DNI confirmation hearings.

LTG Alexander succeeded Hayden and made real substantive changes to Agency operations.  Contrary to what many believe, NSA does not decide what to target in its surveillance.  That’s decided by “customers” and “stakeholders.”  The White House, State Department, DoD, military commanders and others apply requirements to NSA for fulfillment.  In classic workman’s fashion, from his first day as Director, Alexander rolled up his sleeves and started working on those requirements.

I’ve written about LTG Alexander and NSA here and here.

A brilliant man, yet a very down-to-earth type with an active (and sometimes goofy) sense of humor, the new DIRNSA probed and tested the workforce and senior management for the best ways to maximize the incredible talent pool that is NSA.  He found what worked, ejected what didn’t and created an atmosphere for intellectual and technical innovation.

When questions arose in Congress about NSA surveillance practices or the Director requested funds, Alexander would receive a virtual unanimous approval from both sides of the political aisle.  Although press reports may indicate some members (usually Democrats) voicing “concerns,” in committee meetings, those concerns didn’t exist.

Keith Alexander is as good as it gets. He’s a man focused on his mission and who appreciates those who work “in the trenches.”  He’s a solid patriot which also means he follows the law.  Anyone who believes in “Big Brother” conspiracies when it comes to NSA can save that paranoia for something (or someone) else because it does not apply to LTG Alexander or NSA under his guidance.

LTG Alexander likes to say that what NSA does it does “for the good of the country.”  It is the truth.  It has been the truth since its inception in 1952.  Still, Keith Alexander is, in the form of a single man, the embodiment of generations of innovation, dedication, patriotism and courage.

You got this one right, Mr. President.

Footnote: The question was once asked why people in the Intelligence Community refer to “the CIA,” but simply “NSA” with no “the.”  Simple… one doesn’t say “The God.”

Footnote 2: For arefreshingly accurate account of NSA operations and the Agency itself, read the excellent murder mystery “9800 Savage Road.” Written by a former NSA, the book captures a snapshot of the Agency at the turn of the century.  And, by the way, the anecdotes about persons and incidents are true.