Air Force Lt. Gen. Robert J. Skinner is the commander of the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network and the director of the Defense Information Systems Agency.
As the JFHQ-DODIN commander, Skinner drives unified action across the DOD to secure, operate and defend the DOD Information Network. He leads the establishment of DODIN priorities, directs threat-informed actions through formal planning and future operational initiatives, and oversees the command and control of daily unified network operations, cyber security actions and defensive operations on the DODIN.
As the DISA director, Skinner manages a global network of more than 20,000 service members, civilians and contractors who provide defense communications solutions to the president, Department of Defense, secretary of defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders. DISA operates joint, interoperable command and control capabilities for the department, which support more than 200,000 warfighters in 150 countries.
Skinner commissioned through Officer Training School in 1989. He served in various tactical and fixed communications assignments and possesses experience in planning, policy and resource staffing. He commanded at the squadron, group, wing and Numbered Air Force levels and served on the staffs at a NAF, a major command headquarters, Headquarters Air Force and the Joint Staff. Prior to assuming his current position, he was the director of Command, Control, Communications and Cyber at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, summa cum laude, from Park College in Missouri and a master’s degree in computer science with honors from Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma.
Skinner's awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Navy Commendation Medal and Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster.