By Javier Chagoya

NPS Department of Defense Analysis (DA) Common Operational Research Environment (CORE) Lab outgoing director U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Johnson, left, welcomes his successor, Lt. Col. Gordon Landale, right, following Johnson's retirement ceremony, April 14. Johnson, an NPS alumnus, says he is proud of his many accomplishments at the helm of the innovative lab.

"In my tenure, we did over $6.5 million in externally-sponsored projects with 23 U.S. government, law enforcement, academic and international sponsors," said Johnson. "While doing this, I aggressively integrated the idea of using Social Network Analysis to map out human networks of interest at the operational level. I was able to integrate the CORE Lab methodology into the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School curriculum, and had special forces groups, and local police, begin employment of the capability," said Johnson.

Incoming CORE Lab director Landale is also an NPS defense analysis graduate, with extensive special operations experience in various theaters and joint task force duties with NATO. His expectations for the lab are to continue its growth in social media analysis, and to encourage lasting partnerships with those in the business of combating terrorism.

"Over the next couple of years, I hope to continue the exceptional work started with my predecessor, Lt. Col. Glenn Johnson, and the rest of the CORE team," Landale said. "There are many diverse and dynamic threats facing our nation and our allies, and I believe the work that CORE does can contribute to how we respond."

But his primary objective, Landale said, is to ensure future decision makers have access to the innovative tools coming out of the Root Hall laboratory.

"My major objective during my tenure will be to secure baseline funding for the lab. Doing so will ensure our commitment to frontline research, thus providing the most up to date education and support to our sponsors, and maintaining the DOD's premier research environment for Social Network Analysis."