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Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, has announced that he is stepping down later this year. Flynn has run the Defense Department’s intelligence agency for almost two years and was slated to be in the post for an additional year. He will continue to head the agency until the early fall.
Known as an innovator in intelligence collection and analysis, Flynn instituted changes at the DIA intended to transform the agency’s methods and which may have come into conflict with the rest of the intelligence community.
One former official told The Washington Post that Flynn attempted to push DIA analyses and operators into the field and other high-intensity operations. This ran counter to how the DIA saw itself, leading many to believe that Flynn’s vision for the agency was disruptive.
Flynn’s critics also maintained that his management style was chaotic and that his aggressive push for changes often did not include an adequate follow-through.
During his tenure, Flynn routinely pushed for greater intelligence sharing. He has also been a leading figure in coalition and special operations intelligence activities.
Flynn previously served as a senior intelligence officer for the Joint Special Operations Command. During this time he was credited with creating innovative interrogation techniques leading to significant breakthroughs in counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Flynn is expected to be replaced by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mary A. Legere. If nominated and confirmed, she would be the first female director of the DIA.
Agencies/Canadajournal
