Depsecdef designates Principal Staff Assistant for Biometrics.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England has directed the creation of a new Pentagon post to oversee the U.S. military's biometric programs and better coordinate the development and fielding of technologies used to identify both friendly forces and adversaries using fingerprints, DNA samples, palm prints, voice sounds, and iris patterns. In an Oct. 4 memorandum, England designated the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR & E) as the Principal Staff Assistant (PSA) for Biometrics. As the PSA for Biometrics, the DDR & E will have responsibility for the authority, direction, and control of DoD biometrics programs, initiatives, and technologies. The memorandum also directs the DDR & E to establish the position of Director for Defense Biometrics.