Obama to nominate retired Army general for TSA: source

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama plans to nominate retired Army Major Gen. Robert Harding to head the Transportation Security Administration after his first pick withdrew under political pressure, an administration official said Sunday.

The official declined to be further identified because the planned nomination has not yet been announced.

Before retiring from the military, Harding was deputy to the Army's chief of intelligence and previously served as director for operations in the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Major General Robert A. Harding, US Army (Retired)Bob Harding recently formed his own company after serving as the Executive VP for Operations at Innovative Logistics Techniques in McLean Virginia. His 33 years of military service included assignments as the US Army Deputy (G2) Intelligence Chief, and the Director for Operations in the Defense Intelligence Agency where he was responsible for Department of Defense Attach System and the Defense Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Service (DHS). Prior to being the Director for Operations at DIA, Gen. Harding served as the J2, Intelligence Directorate, U.S. Southern Command, where he worked directly for Gen. Barry McCaffrey and Gen. Wes Clark as their intelligence chief. Gen. Harding has also served in a variety of command and staff positions in his earlier military career.

Among Gen. Harding military awards and decorations are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Medal, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Gen. Harding has extensive leadership and management experience. He has supervised global operations, provided security for sensitive National programs, and provided oversight and direction to a multi-billion dollar program within the Intelligence Community. Gen. Harding military education includes the Military Intelligence Officers Advanced Course, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Naval War College. Gen. Harding holds a BS in Business Administration from Bowie State University, a MS in Business from Salve Regina University, and MA in National Security and Strategy from the US Naval War College.

where he worked directly for Gen. Barry McCaffrey and Gen. Wes Clark as their intelligence chief.

Did he work with Rep. Massa (D-NY)?

As I never tire of saying: Massa was on Wesley Clark's staff.

He actually looks to be competent, what's Obama's angle here?

Harding appears to be well qualified, except for the black mark on his record of having worked under Wesley Clark. He’s obviously more qualified than Obama to manage something.

I just hope he’s not a suck up like the other generals and admirals (Patreaus excepted by me) who are imposing the ridiculous rules of engagement on their personnel and causing more deaths of US military.

You can't say that loud enough.

Personally, I'd take an appointment to the TSA to be an insult.

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