 Robert
E. Armstrong, Ph.D.
Senior Research Fellow Dr. Robert E. Armstrong (1948-2008)
passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2008 after a long and courageous
fight with cancer. His loss is mourned by a close family including
wife Leslie, brother Peter, and his children, as well as by
the entire NDU community.
Through his extensive scientific and research career, Dr.
Armstrong made lasting contributions to biological security,
supporting major policy changes in chemical and biological
defense for the Department of Defense (DoD). Dr. Armstrong’s
18 years in civil service earned him recognition as an excellent
researcher in the life sciences along with being a superior
advisor in interpreting technological research in biodefense.
Bob Armstrong’s education began with a bachelor’s
in psychology and included two master’s degrees, a doctorate
in agronomy, and graduating from the Army War College in 1999.
After earning his Purdue doctorate in 1985, he spent six years
as a life sciences intelligence officer with the Central Intelligence
Agency, focusing on agricultural and natural resources; spending
time in Africa, the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia; and briefing
senior U.S. and allied governments policy makers.
From 1993 to 2000 he held executive posts at the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s Alternative Agricultural Research and
Commercial Corporation (AARC). As Executive Director, he was
directly appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and reported
to the Board of Directors of the AARC where he helped establish
the Bio-based Products Coordinating Council, leading to government
purchases of bio-based products.
From 2002 through 2008, Dr. Armstrong was an energetic and
creative Senior Research Fellow for Life Sciences at the Center
for Technology and Natural Security Policy (CTNSP) at the
National Defense University (NDU). His contributions there
focused on biological issues important to national security,
particularly the need to shift from a geology-driven to a
bio-based economy. At CTNSP, Dr. Armstrong made science-based
recommendations concerning national security policy based
on current DoD issues, program needs, and implementation problems
as they relate to the development and use of chemical and
biological technology. Dr. Armstrong provided superb technical
expertise in interpreting, coordinating and recommending technology
research and development and associated policy changes in
chemical and biological defense. He was responsible for reviewing
controversial or highly significant case actions referred
to DoD for national policy level review. He was also an active
teacher of students at NDU, offering his own elective course
in “The New Biological Warfare,” and also frequent
guest lectures at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces,
CTNSP, Forces Transformation and Resources, and the School
for National Security Executive Education. Dr. Armstrong also
served as Executive Director of the Biological Warfare Chemical
Warfare Panel (BWCW) for DoD, and on the National Research
Council’s Committee on Network Science for Future Army
Applications. Additionally, he served on the Advisory Council
for Purdue’s University’s Agronomy Department.
Bob Armstrong was a leader in attracting outside research
funding to support significant research projects at CTNSP,
and in delivering useful products on topics including bioterrorism,
pandemic flu and future medical technologies.
During his long and illustrious career, Dr. Armstrong received
numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for service
in Vietnam. At CIA he was recognized multiple times for Exceptional
Performance of Duty and Sustained Superior Performance- primarily
for his work in overseas assignments. A veteran of Vietnam,
Dr. Armstrong continued to serve in the Army Reserve and retired
as a chemical corps colonel with nearly forty years of service.
His last assignment in the Army Reserve was as commander of
the 455th Chemical Brigade- a unit with broad responsibility
for both military and homeland defense missions.
Throughout his research, writing and teaching, Dr. Armstrong
made tremendous contributions to the life sciences and the
nation. His loyal dedication to his organization and co-workers
, and his strong sense of duty to accomplish tasks at hand
and to seek new tasks reflects his strong integrity and professionalism.
Dr. Robert E. Armstrong – a true hero – will be
sorely missed. But we will always remember him, and take inspiration
from his remarkable courage, humor, compassion, and tireless
dedication to leave the world a better place than he found
it.
Memorial donations may be made to The
National Cancer Institute.
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