Statement on Confirmation of Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense
In response to today’s bipartisan Senate vote confirming Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense, Major General (ret) Paul Eaton, senior adviser to the National Security Network, issued the following statement:
”As a soldier, there are few criteria more important for leadership than a clear chain of command and the ability to make difficult decisions based on credible assessments of risk and need.
Chuck Hagel has earned my respect with his lifetime commitment to ensuring the best possible conditions for our fighting men and women and protecting them from unnecessary risks.
A combat-wounded Army Sergeant, a recipient of two Purple Hearts, a successful manager in the public and private sector, and a selfless advocate for the men and women of our armed services; Senator Hagel has the credibility and qualifications to lead the Pentagon with distinction.
I welcome his appointment and look forward to our leaders putting politics behind them and directing their energy toward tackling the serious challenges and opportunities before the country -to use all elements of American power to meet 21st century security needs.”
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