David J. Dorsett
Encyclopedia
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 U.S. Navy and was the first Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance and 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence
Office of Naval Intelligence
The Office of Naval Intelligence was established in the United States Navy in 1882. ONI was established to "seek out and report" on the advancements in other nations' navies. Its headquarters are at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland...
. He served as the Director of Intelligence, Joint Chiefs of 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...
from 2005–2008 prior to assuming his position on the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
staff.
Early life and education
Vice Admiral Dorsett was born in Roanoke RapidsRoanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Roanoke Rapids is a city in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 16,957 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Roanoke Rapids Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and raised in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
. He graduated from Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida, on the banks of the St. Johns River. The school was founded in 1934 as a two year college and was known as Jacksonville Junior College until 1958, when it shifted its focus to four-year university degrees and adopted its...
(Florida) in 1978, receiving a Bachelors degree in Political Science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
.
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
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
and Armed Forces Staff College, and was awarded a Master’s Degree from the Defense Intelligence College
National Defense Intelligence College
see also main article Staff collegeThe National Intelligence University, , is an accredited education and research institution serving the United States Intelligence Community by preparing personnel for senior positions in the U.S...
.
Military service
He began his Navy career in 1978 as an exchange midshipmanMidshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
with the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, serving on the Ton class minesweeper
Ton class minesweeper
The Ton class were coastal minesweepers built in the 1950s for the Royal Navy, but also used by other navies such as the South African Navy and the Royal Australian Navy...
HMS GAVINTON (M1140). His early career included duty in USS ELLIOT (DD-967)
USS Elliot (DD-967)
USS Elliot was a in the United States Navy. Built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi, the ship was named for Lieutenant Commander Arthur J...
, USS OLDENDORF (DD-972)
USS Oldendorf (DD-972)
USS Oldendorf , named for Admiral Jesse B. Oldendorf USN, was a built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi.-Construction:...
, and as executive officer
Executive officer
An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...
in USS Dominant (MSO-431)
USS Dominant (AM-431)
USS Dominant was an built for the United States Navy.The second ship to be named Dominant by the Navy, AM-431 was launched 5 November 1953 by C. Hiltebrant Dry Dock Co., Kingston, New York; sponsored by Mrs. Belle S. Hiltebrant; and commissioned 8 November 1954, Lieutenant Samuel F...
.
From 1983–1987, he served as an intelligence analyst and Operations Officer at FOSIC U.S. Naval Forces Europe
United States Naval Forces Europe
United States Naval Forces Europe is the United States Navy component of the United States European Command and provides forces for United States African Command....
, providing intelligence support during Operations EL DORADO CANYON
Operation El Dorado Canyon
The 1986 United States bombing of Libya, code-named Operation El Dorado Canyon, comprised the joint United States Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps air-strikes against Libya on April 15, 1986. The attack was carried out in response to the 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing.-Origins:Shortly after his...
, ATTAIN DOCUMENT
Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)
In the Action in the Gulf of Sidra, the United States Navy deployed aircraft carrier groups in the disputed Gulf of Sidra in the Mediterranean Sea. Libya claimed that the entire Gulf was their territory, at 32° 30' N, with an exclusive fishing zone. Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi asserted this...
, 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
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in 1989, serving as Executive Assistant for the CNO's Strategic Studies Group. He then served as the Intelligence Officer in USS RANGER (CV-61)
USS Ranger (CV-61)
The seventh USS Ranger is one of four Forrestal-class supercarriers built for the US Navy in the 1950s. Commissioned in 1957, she served extensively in the Pacific, especially the Vietnam War, for which she earned 13 battle stars. Near the end of her career she also served in the Indian Ocean and...
, participating in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
and RESTORE HOPE. From 1993–1996, he directed the Operational Intelligence/Crisis Management Department at the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific.
In 1996, VADM 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
Office of Naval Intelligence
The Office of Naval Intelligence was established in the United States Navy in 1882. ONI was established to "seek out and report" on the advancements in other nations' navies. Its headquarters are at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland...
. From 1998–1999, he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence on the COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT staff, and participated in Operations DESERT FOX, SOUTHERN WATCH
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
, RESOLUTE RESPONSE, and other sensitive, nationally tasked combat and special operations.
VADM Dorsett commanded the Joint Intelligence Center (JICCENT), U.S. Central Command between 1999–2001, where he managed intelligence support to theater forces during Operations SOUTHERN WATCH
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
and DETERMINED RESPONSE. In June 2001, he assumed duties as the Director, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Requirements and Resources on the OPNAV staff
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
. He was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
Rear admiral (United States)
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
in May 2003 and assigned as the Special Assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence
Director of Naval Intelligence
The Director of Naval Intelligence refers to either one of two posts, both related to naval intelligence:* The head of the Naval Intelligence Division of the British Admiralty; or* The head of the Office of Naval Intelligence in the United States....
; 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)
Rear admiral (United States)
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
.
As a flag officer
Flag Officer
A flag officer is a commissioned officer in a nation's armed forces senior enough to be entitled to fly a flag to mark where the officer exercises command. The term usually refers to the senior officers in an English-speaking nation's navy, specifically those who hold any of the admiral ranks; in...
, he has served as: Special assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence; director of Intelligence (J2), United States Pacific Command
United States Pacific Command
The United States Pacific Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States armed forces responsible for the Pacific Ocean area. It is led by the Commander, Pacific Command , who is the supreme military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the United States serving...
; director for Intelligence (J2), U.S. 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...
; and, is the 63rd Director of Naval Intelligence (N2), Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
. On 2 Nov 2009, VADM Dorsett assumed office as the 1st Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (OPNAV N2/N6).
Establishment of the Information Dominance Corps
In response to the CNO’s direction, VADM 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, VADM Dorsett assumed duties as the 1st Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance.As the DCNO for Information Dominance, VADM Dorsett was the CNO’s principle 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.
Unmanned Initiatives:
Under VADM 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 agreementMemorandum of AgreementA memorandum of agreement or cooperative agreement is a document written between parties to cooperatively work together on an agreed upon project or meet an agreed objective. The purpose of an MOA is to have a written understanding of the agreement between parties.An MOA is a good tool to use for...
to maximize commonality and eliminate redundancies between the GLOBAL HAWK and the Broad Area Maritime SurveillanceBroad Area Maritime SurveillanceBroad Area Maritime Surveillance is a UAV system, which will provide continuous maritime surveillance for the US Navy and complement the 737 based Multimission Maritime Aircraft , the P-8A Poseidon....
(BAMS) unmanned aircraft systemsUnmanned aerial vehicleAn unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
(UAS) programs. 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. 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. The Medium Range Maritime UAS (MRMUAS) Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is currently 2019, two years ahead of normal programmatic benchmarks.
Networking Initiatives:
- VADM Dorsett has directed the Navy’s networks become an interlinked family of systems rather than stand-alone information silos. His goal is 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.
- N2/N6 is focusing efforts on aligning programs, to include transitioning from Navy Marine Corps IntranetNavy/Marine Corps IntranetThe Navy/Marine Corps Intranet is a United States Department of the Navy outsourcing program, in which an outside contractor provides a vast majority of information technology services for the entire Department, including the United States Navy and Marine Corps.-Overview:As of March 2008, NMCI...
(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.
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.
Cyber Warfare Initiatives: VADM Dorsett articulated the need establish the FLTCYBERCOM / TENTHFLT
United States Tenth Fleet
The Tenth Fleet is a functional formation of the United States Navy responsible for the Navy's cyber warfare programs. It was first created as an anti submarine warfare coordinating organization during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War...
to coordinate globally and serve as the Navy Component Commander to U.S. Cyber Command
United States Cyber Command
United States Cyber Command is an armed forces sub-unified command subordinate to United States Strategic Command. The command is located in Fort Meade, Maryland and led by General Keith B. Alexander. USCYBERCOM centralizes command of cyberspace operations, organizes existing cyber resources and...
.
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, VADM 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.
Military Awards
U.S. Military decorations| 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... |
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| Defense Superior Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."... (4) |
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| Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... (3) |
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| Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (United States) The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969... (4) |
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| Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) | |
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Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal |
| Joint Meritorious Unit Award Joint Meritorious Unit Award The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is a military award that was established on June 4, 1981 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and was implemented by Department of Defense Directive 1348.27 dated July 22, 1982... (7) |
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Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... |
| Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... (5) |
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Navy "E" Ribbon (3) |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... (2) |
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| Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
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| Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... (1) |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003... |
| Humanitarian Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal The Humanitarian Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States armed forces which was created on January 19, 1977 by President Gerald Ford under... (2) |
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| Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6) | |
| Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (4) | |
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Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait Liberation Medal The Kuwait Liberation Medal is a military service medal of several countries. The medal is issued in different versions for each country, those being:*Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal *Kuwait Liberation Medal... |
| Marksmanship Ribbon Marksmanship Ribbon A Marksmanship Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard that is issued to service members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score.-Navy:... (Expert) |
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DIA Director's Award Awards and decorations of the United States government Awards and decorations of the United States government are civilian awards of the U.S. federal government which are typically issued for sustained meritorious service, in a civilian capacity, while serving in the U.S. federal government. Certain U.S... |
NSA Bronze Medallion
Badges
- Navy Information Dominance Corps Warfare Badge (Officer)Badges of the United States NavyInsignia and badges of the United States Navy are military "badges" issued by the United States Department of the Navy to naval service members who achieve certain qualifications and accomplishments while serving on both active and reserve duty in the United States Navy...
- Navy Surface Warfare Badge (Officer)
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgeOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgeThe Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge is a U.S. Military badge presented to the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff upon appointment to position as either a Service Head, Vice Chairman, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decoration is also authorized to staff and...