New NSA Director Rudd Introduces 'YESFORN' Initiative at First All-Hands, Urges Allied Intel Sharing

Gen. Joshua Rudd used his first all-hands meeting as NSA Director and Cyber Command chief on March 24 to urge expanded intelligence sharing with U.S. allies, coining the term 'YESFORN' as a deliberate counter to the 'NOFORN' classification marking. Rudd told personnel to work with allied countries 'until it hurts' and outlined three cultural priorities: accelerated speed, enhanced integration, and rapid innovation with emphasis on near-real-time intelligence collection. Rudd also reassured staff that NSA should maintain focus on Russia and China despite the administration's emphasis on southern border security. The message may reassure Five Eyes and other partners after months of unease over how White House policies have reshaped intelligence-sharing relationships. Rudd assumed command March 10 after the post sat vacant for nearly a year, inheriting a workforce that recently shed 2,000 positions.