President of the USA George Bush appointed major-general Michael Maples the director of military of the USA (intelligence service of the defense ministry). It is the first case for the last decades when not regular intelligence service officer becomes the principal military intelligence officer, New York Times informs.
When choosing among candidates Bush took into consideration wishes of Donald Ramsfeld about user of the military information but not producer being the head of the intelligence service.
At that post Maples changed vice-admiral Lowell Jacoby, who was the head of the service for three years. In the case Maples appointment acception by Congress major-general will be heightened on one degree. Up to now Maples occupied post of vice-director of military headquarters commanders committee and was responsible for secret information provision to the United Committee of headquarters commanders. Maples will be active member of the Committee with his new authorities and will be responsible for force support for reconnaissance operations and also will take part in decisions of Defense Ministry working out.
General Maples is native of Texas. After he ended Military Academy of the USA in West-Point in 1971 he was appointed to the artillery. He took part in "Desert Storm" operation, served in Germany, Korea and in peace-maker forces in Kosovo. He headed the Central Artillery Office of the USA army in Fort-Sill.
He was awarded honors and medals of the USA, including "Bronze Star", "For outstanding services" and "For faultless service". Also he is an owner of French Military Cross with Silver Star.
Maples appointment raised skepticism among professional intelligence officers. One shouldn?t compare good investigation department officer and head of the intelligence service.
ISDM controls different branches of military forces intelligence work and delivers information to the officers of the USA army. It is also responsible for gathering and summarizing of military information on foreign countries forces, Defense Ministry supplying with information for strategic plans development and military operations holding out and also control of military attache of the USA abroad.
sections: Politics, World News