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Skriven 2006-11-08 23:31:48 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0611083) for Wed, 2006 Nov 8
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Fact Sheet: Dr. Robert M. Gates: The Right Choice for Secretary of Defense
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 8, 2006

Fact Sheet: Dr. Robert M. Gates: The Right Choice for Secretary of Defense


˙˙˙˙˙ President Bush Nominates Dr. Robert M. Gates to be Secretary of
Defense ˙˙˙˙˙ In Focus: Defense

"Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also
appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical
period in this war. Don Rumsfeld is a patriot who served our country with
honor and distinction. _ If confirmed by the Senate, Bob [Gates] will bring
more than 25 years of national security experience and a stellar reputation
as an effective leader with sound judgment. _ He's a steady, solid leader
who can help make the necessary adjustments in our approach to meet our
current challenges."

- President George W. Bush, 11/8/06

Today, President Bush Announced His Intention To Nominate Dr. Robert M.
Gates To Serve As Secretary Of Defense. The President and Secretary
Rumsfeld have agreed that at this time in the conflict the Pentagon would
benefit from a fresh perspective. After thoughtful consideration, the
President has asked Dr. Bob Gates to succeed Secretary Rumsfeld as the new
Secretary of Defense.
  ū Dr. Gates Understands The Threats We Currently Face And The Nature Of
    Our Enemies In Iraq And Around The World. He has served as an
    intelligence advisor to six presidents representing both parties during
    his 27-year career at the CIA and National Security Council. He is a
    member of the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group, and is known for his
    integrity, candor, and a track record of taking a bipartisan approach
    to solving national security problems.
  ū Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Advisor For President Carter, On
    Gates: "He's _ Bright, Very Serious And Very Intelligent. He Has A Lot
    Of Savvy. He's A Good Decision-Maker But Also A Good People
    Person."(Chuck Lindell, "Ex-CIA Chief Is Good Fit At A&M,"Austin
    American Statesman, 7/28/02)

Dr. Gates Will Work Effectively With The Commanders In Iraq To Make
Adjustments As Needed In Our Approach

Dr. Gates Understands The Challenges Facing Our Nation In Iraq. While in
the private sector, he has continued to serve his country as a member of
the Iraq Study Group  a distinguished independent panel of Republicans and
Democrats led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former
Congressman Lee Hamilton. As a member of the Iraq Study Group, Dr. Gates
has traveled to Iraq, where he's met with Iraq's leaders and our military
commanders on the ground.
  ū Dr. Gates Spent Nine Years At The National Security Council, Including
    Serving As The Deputy National Security Advisor For President George H.
    W. Bush During Operation Desert Storm.
  ū Dr. Gates Helped Lead America's Efforts To Support Afghanistan's
    Freedom Fighters As They Fought Against The Soviets Who Were Occupying
    Their Country. His efforts helped drive the Soviet forces out of
    Afghanistan, which weakened the Soviet regime and laid the foundation
    for freedom's victory in the Cold War.

Dr. Gates Has Experience In Leading Large, Complex Public Institutions And
Transforming Them To Meet New Challenges

As The Director Of Central Intelligence In The Early 1990s, Dr. Gates Led
All Of The Foreign Intelligence Agencies Of The United States 
Approximately A Dozen Organizations With More Than 100,000 Employees And A
Budget Of $30 Billion. He headed our Nation's intelligence community at a
time of change, when the familiar threats of the Cold War suddenly
disappeared, and new and unfamiliar threats were just beginning to emerge.
  ū Dr. Gates Has Served As President Of Texas A&M, The Nation's
    Sixth-Largest University. His service on corporate boards also provides
    him with an understanding of best business practices.

Dr. Gates' Experience Has Prepared Him Well To Serve As Defense Secretary

Dr. Gates Is One Of Our Nation's Most Accomplished And Honored Public
Servants. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1967
and served in the Strategic Air Command. He served as Deputy Director of
Central Intelligence from 1986-89 and as Assistant to the President and
Deputy National Security Adviser from Jan. 20, 1989 until Nov. 6, 1991 for
President George H.W. Bush.He began his career at the CIA as an entry-level
employee and eventually rose through the ranks to become Director of
Central Intelligence. He served as the DCI from 1991-93.

Dr. Gates Is A Highly Decorated Public Servant. He was awarded the
Presidential Citizens Medal and the National Security Medal. He twice
earned the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and three
times earned the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

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