Robert Latiff, Ph. D., is a leading expert in national security and advanced technologies. He has distinguished career in the U.S. military and private sector. A retired Major General from the U.S. Air Force in 2006, Dr. Latiff advises corporate, government, and university clients on critical technology issues, including critical minerals, intelligence systems, and surveillance. He is currently studying the ethical implications of emerging and dual-use technologies for the Department of Defense. Dr. Latiff serves on the boards of several high-tech companies and previously held the role of Chief Technology Officer at Science Applications International Corporation's space and geospatial intelligence business. He chaired the National Materials and Manufacturing Board and served as a member of the Air Force Studies Board of the National Academies.
Throughout his military career, he held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Advanced Systems and Technology, Deputy Director for Systems Engineering at the National Reconnaissance Office, Vice Commander of the USAF Electronic Systems Center, Program Director for the Air Force E-8 JSTARS surveillance aircraft, and Commander of NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center. He also served in the Army's infantry and ordnance corps, commanding a tactical nuclear weapons unit, and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force.
Dr. Latiff earned his commission from the University of Notre Dame Army ROTC and served as an Assistant Professor at West Point. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering and is a recipient of the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.