There are many changes taking place in the nation’s capital. One very significant change is the exit of Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel. Hagel announced his resignation from DOD, many said the resignation was forced. The President is expected to nominate Ashton B. Carter as the next Secretary of Defense. Carter served as the Pentagon’s second-in-command from 2011 to 2013.   Carter also served as Deputy Secretary of Defense under Secretaries Hagel and Panetta.
Prior to Carter’s service as Deputy Secretary, he was the under secretary of defense acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter was known as the Pentagon’s chief arms purchaser. Carter has since left the Pentagon and is a member of the President’s Management Council on Labor Relations. Carter has a long history with DOD. During the Clinton administration, he served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy.
Carter also has an academic leaning. He was a member of the faculty at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Carter will certainly not have a learning curve it seems. It appears he knows his way around the massive structure. As to whether he will infuse new blood into the Pentagon remains to be seen.
Mr. Carter ‘s career progression would speak very positively to his preparation to lead DOD. Taking a break from DOD is probably the most impressive of all his credentials. Often standing outside of the house for a moment can bring forth fresh ideas as to how much the house is in need of repair both inside and out.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
Dianna Tafazoli
