Contributor:
Steven Bucci
Dr. Steven Bucci is director of the Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. He was previously a lead consultant to IBM on cyber security policy. Bucci’s military and government service make him a recognized expert in the interagency process and defense of U.S. interests, particularly with regard to critical infrastructure and what he calls the productive interplay of government and the private sector.
Early in his 28 years in the Army, Bucci served in various leadership positions in the 82nd Airborne and the 5th Special Forces. In the Foreign Area Officer program, he completed 4 years of graduate study, language instruction, and regional training in the Balkans. At the JFK Special Warfare Center, Bucci taught European Studies, Foreign Policy, International Relations Theory, and Development Studies, and in the 7th Special Forces, he conducted numerous counter drug and development missions across Latin America. Dr. Bucci was the first ever resident Defense Attaché in Tirana, Albania. As the Commander, the 3d Battalion of the 5th Special Forces, he led major operational deployments to eastern Africa, the Persian Gulf, and South Asia, including Operation Desert Thunder. Post command he served as the Defense Attaché in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Bucci assumed the duties of the Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld on 1 July 2001, and served in that capacity through the 9/11 attack, and the Global War on Terrorism. While there, he led a team of 25 colonels to Baghdad to directly assist the Coalition Provisional Authority. He retired from active duty in spring of 2005, but stayed to serve as the Staff Director of the Immediate Office of the Secretary, a Presidential appointment to the Senior Executive Service.
He also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Homeland Defense and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. In this position he oversaw the policy issues involving the Defense Domains (Air, Land, and Maritime), National Guard operational issues, Domestic Counter Terrorism, all Readiness Exercises, Defense response to natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and industrial accidents), and became involved in DoD’s response to the growing Cyber Security threats facing the Nation. He acted as the primary civilian oversight of US Northern Command.
Dr. Steven Bucci was raised in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a B.S. in National Security and Public Affairs in 1977. In 1986 and 1987, he earned a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, both in International Relations. Bucci is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, the Hellenic Army War College in Thessaloniki, Greece, and the Department of State Senior Seminar.
