Appointment of Robert E. Linhard as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

The President today announced the appointment of Robert E. Linhard to be Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. He will also serve on the National Security Council staff as Senior Director of Defense Programs and Arms Control. He will replace Ronald F. Lehman.

Colonel Linhard has been on the National Security Council staff since November 1981 as Director of Defense Programs, with primary staff responsibility for U.S. strategic and nonstrategic nuclear force policy and for the implementation of the President's Strategic Defense Initiative. On active duty since 1969, Colonel Linhard's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Combat Readiness Medal.

Colonel Linhard graduated from Fordham University (B.A., 1968; M.A., 1969). He also has degrees from the University of Oklahoma (M.P.A., 1973), University of Northern Colorado (M.B.A., 1975), and Georgetown University (M.A., 1979). He is married and has one child. Colonel Linhard resides in Springfield, VA, and was born February 2, 1947, in New York City.