Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, currently serving as deputy commander at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has emerged as a top candidate to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. While his military career includes extensive operational and leadership roles in the Pacific and special operations communities, he has no direct experience in cybersecurity or electronic surveillance.

This potential appointment follows an extended leadership gap at the two agencies that has lasted more than 7 months, with 2 candidates having been passed over during the selection process.

Cyber threats continue to grow globally, and the eventual selection is expected to influence how the U.S. approaches military and intelligence operations in the digital domain.

Why It Matters: The next NSA and Cyber Command leader will be responsible for defending domestic infrastructure, managing cyber missions abroad, and preparing for potential cyber incidents linked to military conflict. Selecting someone without a cybersecurity background has raised important questions about leadership priorities and preparedness.

• Rudd’s Experience Rooted in Combat and Regional Military Operations: Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd has built his career through deployments with U.S. Special Operations Forces and command roles in the Indo-Pacific. His responsibilities have included leading operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and managing defense coordination with allies like Japan and Brunei. His experience centers on conventional and special military operations rather than technical cyber functions.

• Extended Leadership Vacancy Has Left a Gap at Cyber Command and the NSA: Since the previous “dual-hat” chief’s departure earlier this year, the top jobs at Cyber Command and the NSA have remained vacant. Interim leaders have stepped in to handle day-to-day operations, but the absence of a permanent appointee has delayed key decisions, personnel changes, and long-term planning within the organization.

• Potential Deputies Bring Technical and Operational Cyber Experience: Marine Maj. Gen. Lorna Mahlock is expected to be named deputy if Rudd is selected. She brings a lengthy resume in cybersecurity, including a leadership role at the NSA and command of the Cyber National Mission Force.

• Lennox Likely to Lead CNMF Following Command Reshuffle: Brig. Gen. Matthew Lennox, currently serving in a senior role at Army Cyber Command, would be in line to succeed Mahlock at Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF). His past work includes directing cyber support missions across several combatant commands and participating in high-profile operations such as Operation Midnight Hammer, where U.S. cyber forces played a role in supporting kinetic strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

• Support for Rudd Draws from Military and Intelligence Leaders: Several senior officials, including Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, have expressed support for Rudd’s nomination. His experience in the Pacific is seen by some as fitting into larger efforts to strengthen regional readiness as tension grows.

Go Deeper -> Army officer with Indo-Pacific experience emerges as potential Cyber Command, NSA pick – The Record