Creation of a National Security Section within the FBI

By Dennis Lormel

This week, a series of announcements were made by President Bush, his Homeland Security Advisor (HSA) Fran Townsend, FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General (AG) Alberto Gonzalez describing the establishment of the National Security Service within the FBI. The FBI's Counterintelligence Division, Counterterrorism Division and Directorate of Intelligence will comprise the National Security Service. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) John Negroponte will have significant authority over the newly formed entity. An integral part of the successful formation and implementation of the National Security Service will be who is selected as the Senior Executive responsible for heading up the National Security Service. Considerable discussions are ongoing behind the scenes to select the new intelligence chief. Whoever is selected must be uniquely qualified. He or she must be a leader who will command the respect of peers and subordinates; must possess the understanding and interpersonal skills to deal with the external taskings from DNI Negroponte and balancing them with the internal policies and priorities of the FBI; and possesses the level of operational experience to afford him or her the credibility necessary to succeed. Few people possess these requisite skills. It is imperative that those involved in the selection process to include Director Mueller, AG Gonzalez, HSA Townsend and DNI Negroponte fully vet candadates to ensure the selectee is well rounded and suited to meet the challenges at hand. I have a favorite candidate, who undoubtedly is on the short list. It's not appropriate to mention names at this juncture. I wish those involved in the selection process good luck in pursuading the individual I favor to accept the formidable challenge of leading the National Security Service through its important developmental stage.

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