SECRETARY COHEN NAMES FORMER SENATOR GARY HART AS CO-CHAIR TO SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD ON NATIONAL SECURITY

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen announced today the selection of former Sen. Gary Hart to serve as the co-chair of the Senior Advisory Board on National Security. Hart will replace former Sen. David Boren, who stepped down earlier this week because of his responsibilities as the president of the University of Oklahoma. In making this announcement, Cohen highlighted Hart's vast experience, keen intellect, and many important contributions to the nation's security. "Gary Hart stands out as one of our nation's best thinkers and most skilled practitioners on matter dealing with America's security. He already has made enormous contributions to the work of this study. I can think of no better candidate to fill this important leadership role," Cohen said.

Hart represented the State of Colorado in the United States Senate from 1975 to 1987, was visiting fellow and McCallum Memorial lecturer at Oxford University in 1996, and is a well-respected authority on foreign affairs and national defense issues. He is the author of ten books, the latest of which, "The Minuteman," was published in 1998.

Hart, already a member of the of the Senior Advisory Board, now will work with Co-Chair Warren Rudman to lead the National Securities Study Group, a two and one-half year effort that will have three areas of emphasis:

Examine the global security environment of the first quarter of the 21st century,

Analyze the character of the nation during that timeframe and develop an appropriate national security strategy,

Recommend alternatives to the current national security apparatus and processes to implement the new strategy.

The National Security Studies Group will complete its work in February 2001.