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.
The Air Force budget would grow to $234 billion while Space Force spending would shrink to $26 billion under the White House's yearly ask.