That's what the Defense Science Board recommended in its report, "Creating An Assured Joint DoD and Interagency Interoperable Net-Centric Enterprise," which it released this month.
Networks, information systems and Defense-wide interoperability are so important that "high level four star leaders that are knowledgeable on net-centric issues are needed in each service's applicable net-centric billet."
And what is that? Well, the report is a little murky, saying only "the services should establish or elevate their net-centric/cyber commanders as four star officers."
Hmm. It seems to me the current service directors of command, control and communications/chief information officers are about the only folks who meet the "net-centric/cyber commanders" and that should thrill George Allen, the Marine CIO.
The Army and Air Force CIOs -- Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sorenson and Lt Gen William L. Shelton -- would only get a one-star bump. But since Allen is a one star, BG, this could mean a three-star jump for him -- unless some folks don't think the Marines qualify as a fill-fledged service because they are part of the Navy.
Where does Rob Carey, the civilian CIO of the Navy, fit into this promotion sweepstakes? Is there an SES four-star equivalent rank?
That's not all folks. Soon President Obama will stand up a new cyber command, which will also rate a four star, who will indubitably shine brighter than all the others.
Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
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