Fact Check: "Lt. Gen. Richard Angle lacks cybersecurity experience compared to recent NSA heads."
What We Know
Lt. Gen. Richard Angle is a United States Army officer who has recently been appointed as the commander of Allied Special Operations Forces Command and Special Operations Command Europe as of October 4, 2024 (Wikipedia). His military background includes significant roles in special operations and intelligence, including serving as the deputy commanding general for operations at U.S. Army Cyber Command in 2019 (Wikipedia). However, reports indicate that while he has a foundation in intelligence, he does not have as extensive a background in cybersecurity as recent heads of the National Security Agency (NSA) (Politico, The Record).
Recent NSA heads have typically had extensive experience in cybersecurity and intelligence, which is critical for the role, especially given the increasing importance of cybersecurity in national defense (NDU Press). For instance, previous leaders of the NSA have often come from backgrounds that include significant operational experience in cyber warfare and intelligence operations, which is a key component of the NSA's mission (NDU Press).
Analysis
The claim that Lt. Gen. Richard Angle lacks cybersecurity experience compared to recent NSA heads is supported by multiple sources. While Angle has held positions that involve intelligence and cyber operations, such as his role at U.S. Army Cyber Command, the consensus among analysts is that his experience does not match the depth and breadth of his predecessors at the NSA (Politico, The Record).
For example, the article from Politico notes that despite Angle's qualifications, he has "less background in cybersecurity and intelligence than recent heads of the NSA" (Politico). This suggests that while he is a capable officer, his experience may not be as robust in the specific area of cybersecurity, which is crucial for the NSA's operations.
On the other hand, Angle's military career includes significant leadership roles in special operations and intelligence, which could provide him with a unique perspective on cybersecurity issues, even if it is not as extensive as that of previous NSA leaders (Wikipedia). However, the critical assessment of his experience indicates that it may not fully align with the specialized needs of the NSA, particularly in the current cyber threat landscape.
Conclusion
The claim that "Lt. Gen. Richard Angle lacks cybersecurity experience compared to recent NSA heads" is Partially True. While it is accurate that Angle's background in cybersecurity is not as extensive as that of his predecessors at the NSA, he does possess relevant experience in intelligence and operations that could contribute to his effectiveness in his new role. Thus, the statement is true in the context of comparing specific cybersecurity experience, but it does not account for the broader scope of his military qualifications.