Intel Pick

The New York Times is reporting that President Obama tomorrow will announce his choice of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James Clapper to become the next director of national intelligence. According to the newspaper:

The decision could generate consternation on Capitol Hill, where the prospect of General Clapper’s nomination has already been met with mixed reactions among lawmakers of both parties, who argue the job should go to someone from outside the military world.

Clapper, the under secretary of defense for intelligence, recently objected to a proposal by House lawmakers to create a center of excellence for intelligence support to irregular warfare, Inside the Pentagon reported in April:

In a March 12 letter to the congressional defense and intelligence committees, Clapper responds to a requirement in the classified annex of the House version of the Fiscal Year 2010 Intelligence Authorization Act, which directed his office to provide a report on the value of establishing such a center.

“Due to the broad nature of irregular warfare activities, I do not believe there is one organization capable of serving as a Center of Excellence for Intelligence Support to Irregular Warfare, nor do I believe one is required,” Clapper writes. Inside the Pentagon reviewed a copy of the letter.

The Defense Department believes that an enterprise approach best serves the needs of all the organizations involved in irregular warfare activities, according to the memo.