Rogers Takes Reins at Cyber Command

Adm. Michael Rogers assumed command of US Cyber Command and became director of the National Security Agency and the Central Security Service, during an April 3 ceremony at Fort Meade, Md. Rogers, who previously commanded the Navy’s 10th Fleet (the service’s cyber arm), replaces Army Gen. Keith Alexander, who retired last week. “The security challenges we face today are complex and growing. Our adversaries are determined and when the lives of our nation’s citizens are at stake, failure is not an option,” said Michael Vickers, undersecretary of defense for intelligence, during the ceremony. Rogers welcomed the challenge, alluding to the turmoil surrounding the intelligence community, including the thousands of documents leaked by former analyst Edward Snowden, by joking about friends’ half-hearted congratulations on the job, according to an April 3 DOD release. However, Rogers said he never had any doubts about taking the position, saying he believes in the mission of Cyber Command and the NSA. He also advocated for a stronger partnership between the two organizations, as well as with other government agencies and partner nations, such as Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, states the release.