Washington--The US government agencies that defend the nation are in the midst of a charm offensive -- trying to win over the hearts and minds of Silicon Valley's tech workers.
The move is evoking considerable skepticism from the US tech community.
In recent months, the US Defense Department and Department of Homeland Security have announced the opening of Silicon Valley offices as part of an effort to mend fences.
Relations have worsened since the 2013 leak of classified documents by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden and disputes over issues ranging from encryption to surveillance.
"I believe we must renew the bonds of trust and rebuild the bridge between the Pentagon and Silicon Valley," Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in an April speech in California.
Carter unveiled a "Defense Innovative Unit Experimental" to work with the private sector, enabling startups to work with the Pentagon, and a program that allows technology workers to toggle back and forth between the civilian and military.
Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson meanwhile also went to California to announce a Silicon Valley office "to serve as another point of contact with our friends here" and "to convince some of the talented workforce here in Silicon Valley to come to Washington."
The new "US Digital Service," Johnson said, "provides the option for talent to flow and rotate between private industry and our government teams."
NSA director Michael Rogers has been making the same pitch, saying he wants students and new university graduates to understand the agency's "ethos and culture" and the possibilities for "an amazing mission."
"The biggest challenge is not retaining people," Rogers said in a Washington speech. "The biggest challenge is getting people in the door in this environment."
AFP
