In a letter to the Department of Defense on his first day as the new defense secretary, former CIA Director Leon Panetta assured the president, U.S. troops and the departmentâs civilian employees that he would lead the DoDâs mission to protect U.S. citizens and the countryâs interests around the world.
âAs secretary of defense, I will do whatever is necessary to protect America and to meet the needs of the men and women who serve in harmâs way, and the families who support them,â Panetta said. âEven as the United States addresses fiscal challenges at home, there will be no hollow force on my watch.â
Panetta addressed the killing of 9/11 terrorist Osama bin Laden as a major step toward the goal of ultimately defeating al-Qaida. With the country still at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, Panetta said he looks forward to visiting troops.
âAs CIA director, I saw first-hand the tremendous capabilities of our military and I was always impressed by the professionalism and patriotism of the men and women in the armed forces,â he said.
Panetta paid tribute to former defense secretary Robert M. Gates, saying he was a âtireless advocate for our troops and their families.â He recognized the âtough budgetâ issues his department will have to make, but gave reassurance that the DoD would remain a strong national defense.