In a joint message to the DIA workforce today (April 30), agency director LTG Michael T. Flynn and his deputy, David R. Shedd, announced that they will depart the agency and retire by early Fall 2014. LTG Flynn has served as 18th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency since 24 July 2012. Mr. Shedd joined the agency as deputy director in August 2010.
In their message LTG Flynn and Mr. Shedd said, “As we look back on our nearly 70 combined years of service to DIA, our military, the Intelligence Community (IC), and to our nation, we are proud of the legacy of sustained superb performance of the thousands of men and women we have served alongside throughout these many years. It has been our distinct honor to serve with you and so many others in defense of our nation.
”They added, “Today and tomorrow DIA is clearly postured to achieve even greater heights due to the establishment of our fully integrated intelligence centers, enhancements to all-source analysis and building the Defense Clandestine Service.”
“We have refocused emphasis on training, education and professional development. We have harnessed your creative power to grow the seeds of innovation. Our investment strategies are smarter. We are a leading voice and implementer within the IC for the seminal IC ITE initiative. We have created a new Science and Technology Directorate that now has considerable momentum. We are transforming our all-source analytic enterprise, especially in support of our Warfighters. We have integrated Mission Services to provide seamless support around the world. And we achieved all of this and more, together.
”During their tenure, LTG Flynn and Mr. Shedd led an agency transformation that has brought much needed integration to the agency’s intelligence operations, efficiency to business processes and has shaped and developed the workforce – applying lessons learned during more than a decade of war.
That transformation has enabled the agency to respond to recent crises without having to create special task forces or move people.
DIA has integrated its capabilities to maximize agility for a rapidly changing global landscape. DIA’s new operating model focuses on Integrated Intelligence Centers that proactively network agency capabilities worldwide. Four regional centers and one functional center closely integrate DIA analysis, collection and S&T capabilities – together with embeds from our IC partners – to provide agile, comprehensive support to defense intelligence customers from the tactical to the strategic level.
These initiatives have helped reshape DIA culture to help build and reinforce an environment that empowers the workforce, encourages integration across disciplines, and enables a unity of effort to support DIA’s mission.
An announcement about who will be selected to serve as the new director and deputy director is expected at a later date.