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Washington DC [यूएस]June 30 (ANI): Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen has been appointed to the newly formed US Defense Policy Board, according to an announcement made by US War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The announcement was made when the War Department unveiled the members of the Defense Policy Board. It is an advisory committee that provides independent strategic advice and recommendations to the senior leadership of the Department.

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"Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today announced the appointment of members of the Defense Policy Board. Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, who previously served as the U.S. Trade Representative from 2017-2021, will serve as its Chairman, and former Senator Norm Coleman will serve as its Vice Chairman," the US War Department said in an official statement.

Who is Marc Andreessen?

The 15 members appointed to the board also include prominent technology investor and entrepreneur Marc Andreessen. His appointment comes alongside several other members from policy, military and public service backgrounds. Marc Andreessen is a prominent American entrepreneur, software developer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating Mosaic, one of the world's first widely used web browsers, in the early 1990s. He is also a co-founder and general partner of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. His appointment to the US Defense Policy Board is notable because he comes from the world of technology and venture capital rather than the traditional military or diplomatic establishment.

This board advises the US Secretary of War on defense strategy, modernization, and national security issues.

Other members appointed to the board

The newly appointed members of the Defense Policy Board include Michael N. Anton, Rachel A. Bovard, Tom P. Fedo, Mike J. Garcia, Kenneth P. Jones, Blake G. Masters, Daniel P. McCarthy, Michael P. Pillsbury, Retired Admiral Chas A. Richard, Francis P. Cempa, Christopher A. Williams and Theo J. Vold is included.

What is Defense Policy Board?

According to the War Department, the Defense Policy Board was originally established in 1985 and serves as an advisory committee to the Secretary of War, the Deputy Secretary, and the Under Secretary for Policy.

The Board is tasked with providing independent strategic advice on various matters of defense and national security. Its focus areas include strategic planning, U.S. military structure and policy implications of modernization, regional defense policies, and other defense policy issues of special interest to the department.

This announcement marks the formal establishment of the new Board under the leadership of Secretary Hegseth, with Ambassador Lighthizer and former Senator Coleman leading the group of members from diverse professional backgrounds. The addition of Marc Andreessen to the Board highlights the presence of technology and innovation expertise within the advisory body. (ANI)