The FBI broke with one of its most storied traditions Wednesday, announcing changes in its top management that, rather than elevating onetime agents, tapped officials with extensive experience outside of the bureau for several key positions.

The realignment, unveiled by Director Robert S. Mueller III, put nonagents — including one who is a former oil company executive and another who rose through the ranks of the CIA — at the helms of three of the bureau’s five major branches.

The moves were a tacit acknowledgment of troubles the FBI has had keeping up with advancements in areas such as science, computer technology and human resources.

As I hope to be able to communicate in an upcoming print piece, we need to stop recycling our national security staff and start re-invigorating it. Kicking the old-timers who gave you the last series of intelligence failures upstairs will only result in one conclusion: more failures.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.