Kellogg to join Oracle

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Joseph "Keith" Kellogg, who served as director of command, control, communications and computers until his retirement last month, will join Oracle Corp. as senior vice president of homeland security.

During his long military career, Kellogg commanded several infantry and airborne divisions, including the renowned 82nd Airborne — the world's largest parachute force — and served as commanding general of Special Operations Command Europe.

"I'll be changing career patterns," not retiring, Kellogg said in a May interview. "I want to stay in this business, probably in the private sector. What I love about it is you're always on your game, and it changes so fast. You have to be flexible, have mental agility...and it's fun."

During his tenure on the Joint Staff, Kellogg was an outspoken information technology advocate, especially in the area of joint command and control. He long crusaded for Joint Forces Command to be given complete control of such joint operations, including funding authority.

Ray Bjorklund, a vice president at McLean, Va.-based Federal Sources Inc., said Oracle had "picked itself a plum from the tree."

"Gen. Kellogg has done some remarkable things in the Defense Department," Bjorklund said. "He will definitely be an asset for Oracle in any role he has with the company."

President Bush has tapped Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Robert Shea to replace Kellogg at the Joint Staff.