Mr. Robert Naething, a member of the Senior Executive Service in support of the Secretary of the Army, is the Deputy to the Commanding General of United States Army North (Fifth Army) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. U.S. Army North plans and executes operations in support of U.S. Northern Command in the areas of Homeland Defense of North America, Security Cooperation with Mexico and Canada, and Defense Support to Civilian Authorities for disaster relief. He focuses on strategic requirements and resourcing of the command as it serves simultaneously as a Joint Force Land Component Command, Army Service Component Command and Senior Command of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis.

Within his portfolio is executive oversight of budgeting and finance, personnel, logistics, contracting, IT and cyber-security, public affairs, community outreach, Joint Basing cooperation, and facility master planning requirements and execution for Army North—including all regional offices—as well as across Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. He also leads the continuous review of the command’s future missions, tasks, and requirements, and ensures it is structured, organized, and resourced appropriately.

He previously served as the Director of the Mission Command Capabilities Development Integration Directorate at the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he led the development of future capabilities required for commanding and leading formations in the U.S. Army. He was charged with reviewing the projected future environment for the Army and the Nation, and developing the doctrine, organizational structures, training requirements, material solutions, leadership education, personnel systems and facilities to ensure the Army is prepared for those future challenges.

Mr. Naething also served as the Acting Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth from December 2011 until August 2012. He joined the Senior Executive Service in July 2011 after 33 years of distinguished service as a Soldier, NCO, and officer in the United States Army. Prior to joining the SES, Mr. Naething designed, organized, obtained approval and resourcing for, and stood up the Mission Command Center of Excellence and then served as its first Director.