Senate confirms NSA chief as head of Pentagon's new Cyber Command

The Senate has confirmed National Security Agency Director Keith Alexander as head the Defense Department's new Cyber Command.

National Security Agency (NSA) Director Keith Alexander has been confirmed by the Senate to lead the Defense Department’s new Cyber Command, which will  integrate the military’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

In approving Alexander to head the command on May 7, senators agreed by a voice vote to elevate Alexander, previously an Army lieutenant general, to a four-star  general.

Alexander detailed some of the new command’s responsibilities and roles during his confirmation hearing in April before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Cyber Command will be located at Fort Meade, Md., which is the headquarters for the NSA.