Vickers to step down from DoD intell post

Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Dr. Michael Vickers will retire from federal service as of April 30, according to a Defense Department press release.

Vickers has served as under secretary of Defense for intelligence since March 2011, making him the longest-serving under secretary of defense for intelligence in the DoD history. Prior to that role, he served as the Pentagon's first and only assistant secretary of defense for special operations/low-intensity and interdependent capabilities.

"During his tenure he has led a comprehensive, mission-focused transformation of defense intelligence, and has provided policy and operational oversight for numerous sensitive intelligence, counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, counterproliferation, counternarcotics, paramilitary support, and counterintelligence operations," his bio states, adding that Vickers played a critical role in strategizing Osama bin Ladin's capture.

Vickers' military background spans nearly 40 years of service, including roles as an Army Special Forces non-commissioned officer, Special Forces officer and CIA operations officer.