FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Praises Hagel as 'Right Person' to Lead Department
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2013 - Panetta spoke today during a press briefing with
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The
secretary expressed confidence in Hagel's experience and his projected ability
to lead the department through budget uncertainties and the 2014 Afghanistan
transition.
"I've known Chuck a long time," Panetta said. "He is the right person to lead
the department, not only because he's a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, but
[because] he understands Washington; he understands the issues that confront our
national defense."
Panetta said topics during meetings with Hagel included a range of general
issues facing the DOD. The two also had a meeting specifically to focus solely
on budget challenges.
"I'm confident that he wants to do everything possible to try and deal with
the challenges we face," Panetta said.
The secretary also noted that he and his successor agree about the future of
the department.
"Despite a lot of very severe budget pressures ... we need to maintain -- and
I believe he believes we need to maintain -- the world's most powerful and ready
force to deal with the challenges we're going to confront in the 21st Century,"
Panetta said.
