First Marine tapped to head Defense Intelligence Agency; also is first African American in job

WASHINGTON – A Marine three-star general will take control of the Defense Intelligence Agency later this month, marking the first time an African American or a Marine has held that post.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Stewart, currently a two-star general, will be promoted to lieutenant general and take over the DIA on Jan. 23. His promotion was confirmed last month by the U.S. Senate.

Most recently Stewart was serving as the head of Marine Forces Cyber Command, and he has also been the Corps' intelligence director.

Stewart's appointment comes more than eight months after the previous leader was nudged aside amid ongoing conflict within the agency.