Schmidle Named Deputy Of US Cyber Command

Robert E. Schmidle, Jr, has been confirmed by the Senate as the first Deputy Commander of US Cyber Command and for promotion to lieutenant general. The confirmation was made public in August. He is stationed at Fort George G. Meade, Md. Lt Gen Schmidle is a native of Newtown, the son of Mae and Robert Schmidle of Echo Valley Road.

As its name implies, the command is charged with operating the nation’s military computer networks. Cyber Command will “direct the operations and defense of specified Department of Defense information networks and prepare to, when directed, conduct full-spectrum military cyberspace operations in order to enable actions in all domains, ensure US/allied freedom of action in cyberspace and deny the same to our adversaries,” according to a fact sheet released by the Pentagon.

US Cyber Command, a subordinate unit of US Strategic Command, was launched on May 21 at Fort Meade in a status officials called initial operating capability. The command is expected to be fully operational by October, according to Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Rene White.

Marine Corps Major General Robert E. Schmidle, Jr, was nominated in May by the President for appointment as deputy commander of US Cyber Command and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general.

Lt Gen Schmidle had been serving as assistant deputy commandant for programs and resources (programs) in Washington, D.C. As deputy commander, he directs the forces and daily activities of US Cyber Command. In this capacity he also coordinates the Department of Defense computer network attack and computer network defense missions.

His command assignments include commanding general of First Marine Aircraft Wing, commanding officer of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (Experimental), and commanding officer of Marine Fighter/Attack Squadrons 251 and 115.

Previous operational assignments included multiple tours flying the F-4 and F/A-18 aircraft as well as serving as operations officer and air officer of an Infantry Battalion, First Battalion 9th Marines.

Additionally, Lt Gen Schmidle has served in the following key staff assignments: assistant deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for Programs and Resources (Programs), deputy chief of staff for Integrated Product Team 1 for the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review and USMC lead for the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, deputy director for resources and acquisition in the Joint Staff J-8, director of the USMC Expeditionary Force Development Center, and the military secretary for the 32nd and 33rd Commandants of the Marine Corps.

Lt Gen Schmidle graduated from Drew University with a bachelor of arts in history and earned a master of arts in philosophy from American University. He also holds a master of arts in philosophy from American University and is working on his doctorate at Georgetown University.

He is a distinguished graduate and prior faculty member of The Marine Corps Command and Staff College as well as a distinguished graduate of the Marine Corps War College.

Additionally, he has been published on a range of topics from military history to social psychology and philosophy.