David J. Dorsett

David J. Dorsett
David J. Dorsett
	Vice Admiral Dorsett, USN; 1st DCNO for Information Dominance /; 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence
Nickname(s)	Jack
Born	8 October 1956 (age 68); Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1978–2011
Rank	Vice admiral
Commands	Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance ; Director of Naval Intelligence ; Director for Intelligence (J2), U.S. Joint Staff ; Director of Intelligence (J2), United States Pacific Command ; Commander, Joint Intelligence Center, U.S. Central Command ;
Battles / wars	Operation Southern Watch ; Operation Restore Hope ; Operation Desert Fox ; Operation Resolute Response ; Operation El Dorado Canyon ; Operation Attain Document ; Operation Prairie Fire ;
Awards	National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal ; Defense Superior Service Medal (4); Legion of Merit (3); Meritorious Service Medal (4); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal ;

Last updated December 07, 2024

David John "Jack" Dorsett (born 8 October 1956) is a corporate vice president for cyber and C4 at Northrop Grumman, and a retired vice admiral of the U.S. Navy. He was the first Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance and 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence. He served as the Director of Intelligence, Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2005 to 2008 prior to assuming his position on the Chief of Naval Operations staff.^[1]

Early life and education
Military service
Establishment of the Information Dominance Corps
Initiatives as DCNO for Information Dominance
Unmanned initiatives
Networking initiatives
Accelerating electronic warfare capabilities
Cyber warfare initiatives
Maritime domain awareness (MDA)
Northrop Grumman
Awards and decorations
References
Sources
External links

Early life and education

Dorsett was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and raised in Virginia. He graduated from Jacksonville University (Florida) in 1978, receiving a bachelor's degree in political science. He was also the 2008 Distinguished Alumni for Jacksonville University.

Jack Dorsett is a naval intelligence officer, joint specialty officer, a specialist in Joint and Strategic Intelligence, and a qualified surface warfare officer. He possesses significant experience in National Security Affairs (Europe, Middle East, Asia) and in Strategic Planning. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College and Armed Forces Staff College, and was awarded a master's degree from the Defense Intelligence College.^[1] He has also attended executive business programs at Babson College and the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Military service

He was commissioned in the US Navy in 1978 and previously served as an exchange midshipman with the Royal Navy, serving on the Ton-class minesweeper HMS Gavinton. His early career included duty in the destroyers USS Elliot, USS Oldendorf, and as executive officer in the minesweeper USS Dominant.

From 1983 to 1987, he served as an intelligence analyst and operations officer at FOSIC U.S. Naval Forces Europe, providing intelligence support during Operations El Dorado Canyon, Attain Document, and Prairie Fire. In 1987, he reported to Sixth Fleet as political-military officer and deputy assistant chief of staff for intelligence.

He transferred to the U.S. Naval War College in 1989, serving as executive assistant for the Chief of Naval Operations's (CNO) Strategic Studies Group. He then served as the intelligence officer in the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, participating in Operations Southern Watch and Restore Hope. From 1993 to 1996, he directed the Operational Intelligence/Crisis Management Department at the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific.

In 1996, Dorsett transferred to Washington, D.C., where he directed the CNO's Intelligence Plot and then served as director of intelligence, Office of Naval Intelligence. From 1998 to 1999, he served as the assistant chief of staff for intelligence on the COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT staff, and participated in Operations Desert Fox, Southern Watch, Resolute Response, and other sensitive, nationally tasked combat and special operations.

Dorsett commanded the Joint Intelligence Center (JICCENT), U.S. Central Command between 1999 and 2001, where he managed intelligence support to theater forces during Operations Southern Watch and Determined Response. In June 2001, he assumed duties as the director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements and resources on the OPNAV staff. He was selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half) in May 2003 and assigned as the special assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence; in July 2005 he reported to the Joint Staff as the director for intelligence (J2). He was selected for promotion to rear admiral (upper half).

As a flag officer, he served as special assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence; director of Intelligence (J2), United States Pacific Command; director for Intelligence (J2), U.S. Joint Staff; and was the 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence (N2), Chief of Naval Operations. On 2 November 2009, Dorsett assumed office as the 1st Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (OPNAV N2/N6).^[1]

Establishment of the Information Dominance Corps

In response to the CNO's direction, Dorsett spearheaded the formation of the Information Dominance Corps (IDC)—a cadre of information specialists—consisting of more than 45,000 active and Reserve Navy officers, enlisted and civilian professionals possessing extensive skills in information-intensive fields. These specialists include information professional officers, information warfare officers, naval intelligence officers, meteorological and oceanography officers, space cadre officers, cyber engineer officers, aerographer's mates, cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, and civilian personnel.

The stand up of N2/N6 represents a landmark transition in the evolution of naval warfare, designed to elevate information as a main battery of the Navy's warfighting capabilities, and firmly establish the U.S. Navy's prominence in intelligence, cyber warfare, and information management.

Initiatives as DCNO for Information Dominance

On 31 October 2009, the CNO established the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (OPNAV N2/N6) and on 2 November 2009, Dorsett assumed duties as the 1st Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance.

As the DCNO for Information Dominance, Dorsett was the CNO's principal advisor for all information capabilities. His strategic objective was to elevate information to a core navy warfighting capability and to functionally integrate intelligence, information warfare, information/network management, oceanography, and geospatial information for information age operations, while delivering assured command and control and information access to operational forces by delivering deep multi-intelligence penetration and understanding of potential adversaries, melded with deep multi-domain understanding of the operating environment.

He was further tasked with coordinating resource investment to deliver information-centric capabilities and competitive advantages while aggressively accelerating experimentation and innovation with information capabilities including remotely piloted, unattended, and autonomous capabilities adaptively networked to extend reach, penetration and persistence in denied areas.^[2]

Unmanned initiatives

Under Dorsett, the Navy made significant progress in building a network of unmanned systems that will perform ISR, communication relay, strike, and other missions.

The Navy and Air Force signed a memorandum of agreement to maximize commonality and eliminate redundancies between the Global Hawk and the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs.^[3] The Navy is transitioning from NUCAS-D to the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) system to provide unmanned carrier-based capability by 2018.^[4] Additionally, the Vertical Take-Off Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fire Scout has completed several software and technical modifications and efforts have been initiated to weaponize and provide a radar capability for maximum warfighter effectiveness.^[4] The Medium Range Maritime UAS (MRMUAS) Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is currently 2019, two years ahead of normal programmatic benchmarks. MRMUAS was cancelled in 2012.^[5]^[6]

Networking initiatives

Dorsett has directed the Navy's networks become an interlinked family of systems rather than stand-alone information silos. His goal is to create a series of interconnected sensors working together to provide commanders with improved situational awareness of the battlespace allowing decision superiority over the adversary. The objective is for every platform to be a sensor, for every sensor to be networked, and for every shooter to be capable of using data derived from any sensor.^[7]
N2/N6 is focusing efforts on aligning programs, to include transitioning from Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) to the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN), OCONUS Navy Enterprise Network (ONE-NET), and Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), ultimately establishing a seamless environment between the afloat and ashore environments.^[8]

Accelerating electronic warfare capabilities

The Navy has begun to restore its EW advantage and develop world-class cyber warfare capabilities to tackle future threats. To that end, the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) Analysis of Alternatives concluded in April 2010.^[9]

Cyber warfare initiatives

Dorsett articulated the need establish the FLTCYBERCOM / TENTHFLT to coordinate globally and serve as the Navy Component Commander to U.S. Cyber Command.^[10]

Maritime domain awareness (MDA)

The CNO's emphasis has been on operationalizing MDA – making it real for the Navy, a regular part of the way the Navy does business. Accordingly, Dorsett increased the number of analysts focusing on nontraditional types of warfare, such as narcotics and counterterrorism analysis. He also invested heavily in technologies to bring together data, to connect the dots and make associations between vessels, cargo and people to better understand intent. These investments are being fielded around the world at U.S Maritime Operations Centers, the Office of Naval Intelligence, and Coast Guard Maritime Intelligence Fusion Centers.

Northrop Grumman

At Northrop Grumman, he serves as the company's primary liaison for cyber and command, control, communications and computer programs and manages corporate-wide interfaces with key officials of the U.S. government's executive branch and Congress, advises on major program initiatives, and facilitates development of strategic concepts and marketing solutions. In this role, he has facilitated development of company-wide strategic concepts and customer engagement on issues that include: command and control of cyber and non-kinetic effects; assured communications; and, integrated electronic warfare solutions.

Dorsett also serves on the board of the Naval Intelligence Professionals and is a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA).

Awards and decorations

NSA Bronze Medallion

Badges

Navy Information Dominance Corps Warfare Badge (Officer)
Navy Surface Warfare Badge (Officer)
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

Related Research Articles

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The Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) is an enterprise-level shore command of the United States Navy with more than 19,000 military and staff personnel at more than 1,640 subordinate activities, sites, districts, stations, and detachments throughout the world, and was established in 1971. NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve the nation, taking them from "street to fleet" by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters. In 2018, accessions management and distribution functions of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) were realigned under NETC and Navy Recruiting Command (NAVCRUITCOM) now serves as a subordinate command to NETC.

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References

1 2 3 US Navy Biography. 1 February 2010 http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioid=98 . Retrieved 1 February 2011.{{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
↑ "Establishment of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (N2/N6)". NAVADMIN 316/09. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
↑ Butler, Amy (15 July 2010). "Navy, USAF Coordinate High-Altitude UAV Work". Military.com. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
1 2 Jean, Grace (28 January 2011). "Navy 'Reinvesting' Billions of Dollars in Unmanned Systems". National Defense Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
↑ "PE 0305237N: Medium Range Maritime UAS" DTIC.mil, February 2012. Retrieved: 11 August 2012.
↑ Mortimer, Gary. "MRMUAS to be cancelled" SUAS news, 13 February 2012. Retrieved: 11 August 2012.
↑ "Talking with Vice Adm. Jack Dorsett Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance Director of Naval Intelligence". CHIPS. April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
↑ "Chief of Naval Operations Names Next Generation Enterprise Network Chief". Navy.mil. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
↑ Dorsett, Jack (October 2010). "Notes from the DCNO for Information Dominance" (PDF). Retrieved 25 January 2011.
↑ Dorsett, Jack (14 April 2010). "Information Dominance and the U.S. Navy's Cyber Warfare Vision" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2011.

Sources

This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Navy

External links

Media related to David J. Dorsett at Wikimedia Commons

Military offices
Preceded by Tony L. Cothron	Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence 2008–2011	Succeeded by Kendall L. Card

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[navy-1] 1 2 3 US Navy Biography. 1 February 2010 http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioid=98 . Retrieved 1 February 2011.{{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

[2] "Establishment of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (N2/N6)". NAVADMIN 316/09. 29 October 2009. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2011.

[3] Butler, Amy (15 July 2010). "Navy, USAF Coordinate High-Altitude UAV Work". Military.com. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[nationaldefense-4] 1 2 Jean, Grace (28 January 2011). "Navy 'Reinvesting' Billions of Dollars in Unmanned Systems". National Defense Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[5] "PE 0305237N: Medium Range Maritime UAS" DTIC.mil, February 2012. Retrieved: 11 August 2012.

[6] Mortimer, Gary. "MRMUAS to be cancelled" SUAS news, 13 February 2012. Retrieved: 11 August 2012.

[7] "Talking with Vice Adm. Jack Dorsett Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance Director of Naval Intelligence". CHIPS. April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[8] "Chief of Naval Operations Names Next Generation Enterprise Network Chief". Navy.mil. 2 December 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2011.

[9] Dorsett, Jack (October 2010). "Notes from the DCNO for Information Dominance" (PDF). Retrieved 25 January 2011.

[10] Dorsett, Jack (14 April 2010). "Information Dominance and the U.S. Navy's Cyber Warfare Vision" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2011.

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	Defense Superior Service Medal (4)
	Legion of Merit (3)
	Meritorious Service Medal (4)
	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2)
	Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
	Joint Meritorious Unit Award (7)
	Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
	Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (5)
	National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
	DIA Director's Award
	Navy "E" Ribbon (3)
	National Defense Service Medal (2)
	Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (5)
	Southwest Asia Service Medal (1)
	Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
	Humanitarian Service Medal (2)
	Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6)
	Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (4)
	Kuwait Liberation Medal
	Navy Expert Pistol Shot Award

Authority control databases
International	VIAF
National	Israel

David J. Dorsett
Vice Admiral Dorsett, USN 1st DCNO for Information Dominance / 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence
Nickname(s)	Jack
Born	(1956-10-08) 8 October 1956 (age 68) Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1978–2011
Rank	Vice admiral
Commands	Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance Director of Naval Intelligence Director for Intelligence (J2), U.S. Joint Staff Director of Intelligence (J2), United States Pacific Command Commander, Joint Intelligence Center, U.S. Central Command
Battles / wars	Operation Southern Watch Operation Restore Hope Operation Desert Fox Operation Resolute Response Operation El Dorado Canyon Operation Attain Document Operation Prairie Fire
Awards	National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (4) Legion of Merit (3) Meritorious Service Medal (4) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal