WASHINGTON — DIA Director Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn hosted more than 80 high-level intelligence professionals from the military services, combatant commands, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence at DIA Headquarters Dec. 13 for the winter 2013 Senior Military Intelligence Officers Conference. This biannual event brings intelligence professionals together to discuss issues of common concern and to make senior-level decisions that support the defense intelligence enterprise.
The overall theme of the conference was burden sharing, increased collaboration and integration, and prioritizing everything the agency and defense intelligence enterprise does, said Flynn. “[DIA] must be ruthless in mission prioritization and decision-making, emphasizing partnering for efficiency and cost savings.”
The morning discussion centered around the foundation of the defense intelligence enterprise, including resources; the current state workforce and shaping the workforce of the future; and better use of reservists in the national capital region and at Joint Reserve Intelligence Centers around the country. DIA has implemented new career management initiatives to further develop a professional workforce and better posture the agency to support crisis surges.
During the day, Army Maj. Gen. Gregg Potter, via video teleconference from Afghanistan, and Flynn awarded Rod Moore, U.S. Central Command’s deputy director of intelligence, with the Defense Intelligence Director’s Award. Moore also received the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps’ Knowlton Award in honor of his more than 40 years of service.
Before handing the microphone to Moore, Flynn took a moment to reflect on the fact that he and Moore met at another SMIOC almost a decade prior. At a loss for words, Moore said, “We really aren’t anything without our people”
Following the event, Flynn expressed his belief the agency is headed in the right direction and that the conference is a key factor in overcoming future obstacles.
“There is no doubt that we are facing challenging times, but with continued discussions and proactive solutions, I fully believe we will build an even stronger, more agile DIA,” Flynn said.
The next SMIOC will be held at DIA Headquarters in the summer of 2014.