Lt. Gen. Ashley to become 21st Defense Intelligence Agency director

Lt. Gen. Robert P. Ashley, Jr., U.S. Army, was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Currently serving as deputy chief of staff, G-2, for the U.S. Army, Ashley is scheduled to begin his duties as DIA director in October, where he takes over for Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart, USMC.

“Lt. Gen. Ashley brings with him a wealth of experience in intelligence, both as a producer and consumer,” Stewart said. “He is well suited to lead this talented organization, having previously served as the Director of Intelligence of both Central Command and the Joint Special Operations Command, and as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca,”

As the director of DIA, Ashley will oversee intelligence and foreign military operations to deliver mission-critical information needed in wartime. Approximately 15 percent of the agency’s 16,500 personnel are stationed outside of Washington, D.C. serving as intelligence specialists, combatant commands, and defense attaché officers in more than 140 countries.

Once Ashley assumes his new duties, Stewart will become the new deputy director of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM). He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 31.

Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. He has served in various capacities with the U.S. Army Joint Special Operations Command, the U.S. Central Command, and the International Security Assistance Force.