To split or keep? Experts weigh in on the U.S. Cyber Command and NSA ‘dual-hat’ leadership

U.S. Cyber Command members work in the Integrated Cyber Center, Joint Operations Center at Fort George G. Meade, Md., on April. 2, 2021. (Photo by Josef Cole/U.S. Cyber Command)

The head of U.S. Cyber Command also leads the National Security Agency in a “dual-hat” arrangement that proponents say is key to facilitating a fast and agile response against cyber threats and attacks. That dual role could be changed under the second Trump administration, as there have been signs of administration officials seeking to split the CYBERCOM/NSA leadership.

Recently, Cyber Focus and To the Point guests have voiced their opinions on the fate of the dual-hat role in conversations with host Frank Cilluffo.

Former deputy directors of the NSA Chris Inglis and George Barnes:

Former NSA Director and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command Adm. Mike Rogers (ret.):

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.):

Former NSA Deputy Director George Barnes:

McCrary Senior Fellow and former Cyberspace Solarium Commission Executive Director RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery:

Cybersecurity journalist Martin Matishak:

Former DHS Assistant Secretary Matt Hayden and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, former Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, both McCrary senior fellows: