IT-driven decision making has become a theme for the U.S. Army. The U.S. Senate last week took a step toward ensuring that the service's innovative use of IT continues, confirming President Bush's choice of Maj. Gen. Steven Boutelle as the successor to Lt. Gen. Peter Cuviello, who is expected to retire within the next month from the Army's CIO post.

Boutelle will have big shoes to fill, as Cuviello has led an IT transformation of the Army into a knowledge-focused, network-centric operation. Cuviello was key to the creation last year of the Army's Network Enterprise Technology Command, a nerve center that manages the service's IT resources and networks. Prior to that, Cuviello spearheaded the development of the Army Knowledge Online Web portal, which gives 1.2 million users training information and other personnel-development resources.

Under Cuviello's guidance, the Army has developed a vision of a future knowledge warrior, connected to mission-related data by an assortment of devices literally built into Army attire. Now it's looking to knowledge management to help with everything from battlefield decision-making to anti-terrorism efforts to determining the tax status of soldiers stationed overseas.

Boutelle, the director of information operations for networks and space in the CIO's office, has declined to discuss anything related to his future CIO role until Cuviello retires.