An associate professor in political studies is picking the head of the RNZAF to replace the outgoing chief of the Defence Force.
Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae will take over at the Government Communications Security Bureau in February.
Associate Professor Steve Hoadley of Auckland University says it's not the first time a top ranking officer has gone on to take a job in the area of Government intelligence.
He says the top Defence position is rotated among the three services and this time it could be the head of the airforce, Graham Lintott, the most experienced of the three commanders.
