DOD picks homeland security chief

Army Secretary Thomas White will spearhead the Defense Department's homeland security efforts, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced.

"In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, homeland security has emerged as a paramount national priority," White said. "As the Department of Defense executive agent for homeland security, I look forward to working closely with [former Pennsylvania] Gov. Tom Ridge as he leads this vital effort."

"Since the earliest days of our nation, the Army—both active and reserve—has engaged in homeland security," White said. "So the Army brings enormous experience, talent and capabilities to the effort."

White, a retired Army brigadier general, became the 18th secretary of the Army on May 31. Before his appointment, he was vice chairman of Texas-based Enron Energy Services.