Defense Secretary Ash Carter appointed James H. Baker to serve as the director of the Office of Net Assessment according to a Defense Department news release issued yesterday.
"From his service in uniform to his work on the Joint Staff, Jim Baker has devoted much time and energy to thinking about the future security environment," Carter said. "He has the experience, creativity and long-term vision to help our military and our nation chart a clear path forward into an uncertain future -- assessing today's trends to prepare for tomorrow's challenges and opportunities."
Baker will leave his post as principal deputy director for strategic plans and policy and strategist for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey. His responsibilities have included leading a team that conducts independent analysis of current policies and provides creative and global strategic perspectives on the full array of political-military issues.
The Office of Net Assessment is an independent organization within DoD and is charged with identifying emerging or future threats and opportunities for the United States. To do so, the office develops and assesses standing trends and future prospects of U.S. military capabilities, in comparison with other countries.
Baker will report directly to Secretary of Defense Carter. He succeeds Andrew Marshall, who retired in January after 42 years of DoD service.