John Scott Redd
Encyclopedia
John Scott Redd was a vice admiral
of the United States Navy
, and afterward the first Senate-confirmed Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
, serving from 2005 until 2007. According to David Martin
at the CBS Evening News
, "Scott Redd may be the most important person you've never heard of." J.J. Green at Federal News Radio referred to Redd as "the man that I often call "E.F. Hutton
". He is also the past President of the Naval Academy Class of 1966 and has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit organizations. An avid amateur radio
operator, Redd has won seven world championships.
, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy
in the class of 1966. A Trident Scholar, he majored in mathematics and physics. Following graduation, he studied as a Fulbright Scholar
in Uruguay and as a Burke Scholar, receiving a Master of Science degree in Operations Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School
. He also attended the Program for Senior Executives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT).
During his 36 years of active duty service he commanded eight organizations and served in several senior policy positions in the Pentagon
. In 1995, he founded the only new U.S. Navy Fleet in half a century, serving as the first Commander, Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT) since World War II. His last assignment on active duty was as Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (DJ-5) on the Joint Staff
. Redd retired from active military service in 1998.
of NetSchools Corp., a high-tech start-up company in the education sector, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
.
In early 2004 Redd was appointed deputy administrator and chief operating officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority
(CPA) in Baghdad, Iraq. Redd, was one of two deputy administrators reporting to L. Paul Bremer
, and directed programs for the reconstruction of Iraq's infrastructure. He was also responsible for policy affecting Iraq's security programs, including the new Iraqi Army
, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, Iraqi Border Patrol and Facilities Protection Services.
Redd then served as Executive Director for the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, sometimes known as the WMD Intelligence Commission
. The Commission's report was adopted as the President's blueprint for implementation of Intelligence Community reform.
From August 1, 2005, Redd served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
. The NCTC has two core missions; to serve as the primary organization in the U.S. Government for analysis and integration of all terrorism intelligence, and to conduct strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities integrating all elements of U.S. national power.
In a letter to the Intelligence Community
dated 17 October 2007, Redd announced his intention to step down as Director of the NCTC, effective 10 November 2007. He cited medical concerns and the desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for his resignation.
However, some speculated he was forced out over comments he had made about the Iraq War. Asked by a reporter if the War had made the United States safer, Redd replied, "tactically, probably not." And when asked if the War constitutes a "giant recruiting tool" for terrorists, he replied, "In the short term, that is probably true. But the question is you've got to look at this, I believe, in the long term strategic view."
However, this speculation by the blogosphere, which was erroneously repeated by Newsweek
four months later, doesn't square with Redd's comments about the war on terror that were made throughout, and after, his tenure at NCTC.
A spokesman disputed this liberal speculation and said that Redd, 63, needed to have both of his knees replaced
, which would require a long period of rehabilitation during which he could not work. NCTC spokesman Carl Kropf said Redd's decision to leave was "absolutely not" related to his comments, and that he had not been pressured in any way to step down. In a statement released on October 17, 2007, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell thanked Redd for his service. "I know his decision to step down was difficult," McConnell said. A spokesman for his office said there was "no pressure whatsoever" on Redd to resign.
Board of Supervisors resolved to name the new bypass highway around Sidney, Iowa, the "Admiral Scott Redd Highway" in his honor. Dedication ceremonies were held on October 5, 2007.http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sidney,+IA+51652,+United+States+of+America&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title.
On November 9, 2007, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell awarded Redd the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
for his exceptional contributions to the Intelligence Community and defense of the nation.
Redd was awarded the National Security Medal
by President George W. Bush
at a White House ceremony on January 16, 2009. Redd was recognized by the President for "his more than 40 years of exceptional service to the Nation strengthening its intelligence capabilities and improving national security."
Hall of Fame, which honors those individuals, whether licensed hams or not, who have made significant contributions to amateur radio; and those amateurs who have made significant contributions either to amateur radio, to their professional careers or to some other aspect of life on our planet.
In August 2009, Redd "became perhaps the only person ever to win single-op world championships in all six major ham radio DX contests
.", said CQWW Contest Director Bob Cox, K3EST, in announcing the results, which were published in the September issue of CQ magazine. Redd, operating from Mexico as XE1IIJ in the early 1970s, won single-op world championships in the CQWW Phone Contest, the ARRL DX Phone and CW Contests and the CQ WPX Phone Contest. Thirty years later, when his professional life permitted a little more hamming time, Scott added the WPX CW crown as P41P, operating from P43P's station in Aruba, in 2002. The only prize that eluded him—until now—was the CQWW CW.
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, and afterward the first Senate-confirmed Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
National Counterterrorism Center
The National Counterterrorism Center is a United States government organization responsible for national and international counterterrorism efforts. It is based in a modern complex near McLean, Virginia called Liberty Crossing...
, serving from 2005 until 2007. According to David Martin
David Martin (journalist)
David Martin is an American television news correspondent, journalist, and author who works for CBS News.-External links:*...
at the CBS Evening News
CBS Evening News
CBS Evening News is the flagship nightly television news program of the American television network CBS. The network has broadcast this program since 1948, and has used the CBS Evening News title since 1963....
, "Scott Redd may be the most important person you've never heard of." J.J. Green at Federal News Radio referred to Redd as "the man that I often call "E.F. Hutton
E. F. Hutton & Co.
E. F. Hutton & Co. was an American stock brokerage firm founded in 1904 by Edward Francis Hutton, his brother Franklyn Laws Hutton, and later led by well known Wall Street trader Gerald M. Loeb. Under their leadership, Hutton became one of the most respected financial firms in the United States...
". He is also the past President of the Naval Academy Class of 1966 and has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit organizations. An avid amateur radio
Amateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
operator, Redd has won seven world championships.
Naval career
Redd was born in Sidney, IowaSidney, Iowa
Sidney is a city in Fremont County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,300 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Fremont County and is one of the smallest county seats in Iowa....
, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in the class of 1966. A Trident Scholar, he majored in mathematics and physics. Following graduation, he studied as a Fulbright Scholar
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program, including the Fulbright-Hays Program, is a program of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Under the...
in Uruguay and as a Burke Scholar, receiving a Master of Science degree in Operations Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School
Naval Postgraduate School
The Naval Postgraduate School is an accredited research university operated by the United States Navy. Located in Monterey, California, it grants master's degrees, Engineer's degrees and doctoral degrees...
. He also attended the Program for Senior Executives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological education and research.Founded in 1861 in...
(MIT).
During his 36 years of active duty service he commanded eight organizations and served in several senior policy positions in the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
. In 1995, he founded the only new U.S. Navy Fleet in half a century, serving as the first Commander, Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT) since World War II. His last assignment on active duty was as Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (DJ-5) on the Joint Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
. Redd retired from active military service in 1998.
Post-Navy career
Following his retirement from the Navy he served as CEOChief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of NetSchools Corp., a high-tech start-up company in the education sector, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
.
In early 2004 Redd was appointed deputy administrator and chief operating officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority
Coalition Provisional Authority
The Coalition Provisional Authority was established as a transitional government following the invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies, members of the Multi-National Force – Iraq which was formed to oust the government of Saddam Hussein in 2003...
(CPA) in Baghdad, Iraq. Redd, was one of two deputy administrators reporting to L. Paul Bremer
L. Paul Bremer
Lewis Paul "Jerry" Bremer III is an American diplomat. He is most notable for being the U.S. Administrator to Iraq charged with overseeing the country's occupation after the 2003 invasion. In his role as head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, he reported primarily to the U.S. Secretary of...
, and directed programs for the reconstruction of Iraq's infrastructure. He was also responsible for policy affecting Iraq's security programs, including the new Iraqi Army
Iraqi Army
The Iraqi Army is the land component of the Iraqi military, active in various forms since being formed by the British during their mandate over the country after World War I....
, the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, Iraqi Border Patrol and Facilities Protection Services.
Redd then served as Executive Director for the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, sometimes known as the WMD Intelligence Commission
Iraq Intelligence Commission
The Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction is a panel created by Executive Order 13328 signed by U.S. President George W. Bush in February 2004...
. The Commission's report was adopted as the President's blueprint for implementation of Intelligence Community reform.
From August 1, 2005, Redd served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
National Counterterrorism Center
The National Counterterrorism Center is a United States government organization responsible for national and international counterterrorism efforts. It is based in a modern complex near McLean, Virginia called Liberty Crossing...
. The NCTC has two core missions; to serve as the primary organization in the U.S. Government for analysis and integration of all terrorism intelligence, and to conduct strategic operational planning for counterterrorism activities integrating all elements of U.S. national power.
In a letter to the Intelligence Community
United States Intelligence Community
The United States Intelligence Community is a cooperative federation of 16 separate United States government agencies that work separately and together to conduct intelligence activities considered necessary for the conduct of foreign relations and the protection of the national security of the...
dated 17 October 2007, Redd announced his intention to step down as Director of the NCTC, effective 10 November 2007. He cited medical concerns and the desire to spend more time with his family as reasons for his resignation.
However, some speculated he was forced out over comments he had made about the Iraq War. Asked by a reporter if the War had made the United States safer, Redd replied, "tactically, probably not." And when asked if the War constitutes a "giant recruiting tool" for terrorists, he replied, "In the short term, that is probably true. But the question is you've got to look at this, I believe, in the long term strategic view."
However, this speculation by the blogosphere, which was erroneously repeated by Newsweek
Newsweek
Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
four months later, doesn't square with Redd's comments about the war on terror that were made throughout, and after, his tenure at NCTC.
A spokesman disputed this liberal speculation and said that Redd, 63, needed to have both of his knees replaced
Knee replacement
Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. It may be performed for other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis...
, which would require a long period of rehabilitation during which he could not work. NCTC spokesman Carl Kropf said Redd's decision to leave was "absolutely not" related to his comments, and that he had not been pressured in any way to step down. In a statement released on October 17, 2007, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell thanked Redd for his service. "I know his decision to step down was difficult," McConnell said. A spokesman for his office said there was "no pressure whatsoever" on Redd to resign.
Awards
On June 13, 2006, the Fremont CountyFremont County, Iowa
-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 7,441 in the county, with a population density of . There were 3,431 housing units, of which 3,064 were occupied.-2000 census:...
Board of Supervisors resolved to name the new bypass highway around Sidney, Iowa, the "Admiral Scott Redd Highway" in his honor. Dedication ceremonies were held on October 5, 2007.http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sidney,+IA+51652,+United+States+of+America&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title.
On November 9, 2007, Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell awarded Redd the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
The National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal is the highest decoration awarded for service to the United States Intelligence Community...
for his exceptional contributions to the Intelligence Community and defense of the nation.
Redd was awarded the National Security Medal
National Security Medal
The National Security Medal was a decoration of the United States of America officially established by President Harry S. Truman in Executive Order 10431 of January 19, 1953...
by President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
at a White House ceremony on January 16, 2009. Redd was recognized by the President for "his more than 40 years of exceptional service to the Nation strengthening its intelligence capabilities and improving national security."
Amateur radio
On May 16, 2008, Redd was inducted into the CQ Amateur RadioCQ Amateur Radio
CQ Amateur Radio is a magazine for amateur radio enthusiasts. The magazine has a worldwide readership base for its English language edition. A Spanish language edition is published in Spain with some translations of articles from the English language edition and some original European content...
Hall of Fame, which honors those individuals, whether licensed hams or not, who have made significant contributions to amateur radio; and those amateurs who have made significant contributions either to amateur radio, to their professional careers or to some other aspect of life on our planet.
In August 2009, Redd "became perhaps the only person ever to win single-op world championships in all six major ham radio DX contests
Contesting
Contesting is a competitive activity pursued by amateur radio operators. In a contest, an amateur radio station, which may be operated by an individual or a team, seeks to contact as many other amateur radio stations as possible in a given period of time and exchange information...
.", said CQWW Contest Director Bob Cox, K3EST, in announcing the results, which were published in the September issue of CQ magazine. Redd, operating from Mexico as XE1IIJ in the early 1970s, won single-op world championships in the CQWW Phone Contest, the ARRL DX Phone and CW Contests and the CQ WPX Phone Contest. Thirty years later, when his professional life permitted a little more hamming time, Scott added the WPX CW crown as P41P, operating from P43P's station in Aruba, in 2002. The only prize that eluded him—until now—was the CQWW CW.