He took office in 2006 under President George W Bush and elected to stay under President Obama, but now he’s ready to retire. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is planning to leave his position in the spring of 2011, the spokesman from the Pentagon confirmed.
Gates had made a private promise to Obama that he would not leave in 2010 for a couple of reasons. He wants to make sure that stability in the Pentagon is maintained as U.S. forced are sent into Afghanistan, and he didn’t want to cause difficulties for his successor during the election year of 2010.
Bill Burton, White House Spokesman, has praised Gates and stated that the secretary has already been on the job longer than planned. He made it clear that the President is grateful for his service thus far. He also said Gates would be the one to decide when to formally announce his plans.
Gates has been with the CIA for almost 27 years and has served four Presidents. He was president of Texas A&M University before his current role.
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
