NSA and Alexander – Intelligently Waiting for the Empowering Mandate

I have been watching the debate over who will run cyber security for the government and have been most impressed by the stance of the NSA and Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander in particular.  While the debate has roiled on, the NSA has steadfastly pushed away any public indication that they want the job even when most say they are the most qualified and are trying to thrust them into the role.

From where I sit, if Alexander does ultimately want to run cyber security for the government, he is playing the game very well.  Because he knows that the perception that he and his agency were swept into the role by popular demand and mandate will give him far more power to make and execute the hard decisions that will be initially required for success than if he raised his hand and volunteered for the job.  He will be far more empowered to gain early concessions and will be given a longer leash than someone who actively campaigned for the job.

Make no mistake; the NSA will have a role in this process.  It remains to be seen if they will be the overt leader or the power behind the scenes – but they will be the major player.  Alexander has assured the NSA of a key role, and his deft handling of the early politics has been instructive.

Watching Alexander navigate the current process gives me great confidence that we will be in very good hands.