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.
More than 100 B-21s will be needed if the nation is to avoid creating a high demand/low capacity capability, panelists said on a Hudson Institute webinar. The B-21's flexibility, stealth, range and payload will be in high demand for a wide range of missions, both traditional and new.