The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has announced it is discontinuing its long-running James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award as part of a broader effort to realign resources toward mission-critical priorities.
The award was established in 1966 in honor of the late Air Force Col. James S. Cogswell, the first chief of industrial security within the Department of Defense. Cogswell was responsible for developing the basic principles of the Industrial Security Program, which includes an emphasis on the partnership between industry and government to protect classified information. This partnership ultimately ensures the greatest protection for the U.S. warfighter and our Nation’s classified information.
The full release is below:
“To meet the demands of an evolving national security landscape, DCSA is focusing our resources on mission-critical priorities. This requires a strategic realignment to ensure every effort directly contributes to strengthening our national security.
As part of this necessary shift, we are discontinuing the Cogswell Award. We deeply respect the award’s legacy and honor all the past recipients who set the standard for security excellence.
This refocus will allow us to invest more deeply in core security capabilities, enhance oversight, and deliver more targeted support to cleared industry partners. While the award program is ending, our commitment to fostering superior security practices is stronger than ever.
We are dedicated to our partnership with industry as we navigate emerging challenges together.”
