Can Secretary Of Defense Gates Accomplish Something In One Year?

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks at the University of Georgia's Winter Commencement Ceremony in Athens, Ga. Dec. 18, 2009. DoD Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison

What Can Robert Gates Achieve In Extra Year At Pentagon? -- Christian Science Monitor

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced recently that he will stay on at least another year. That will help him shepherd some of his Pentagon reforms – and perhaps start new ones.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates’s decision to stay on another year allows him to cement many of the policy and budgetary moves that have been the hallmarks of his tenure.

Mr. Gates, the only holdover from the Bush administration and an acknowledged Republican, has emerged in the Obama White House as one of the most respected senior advisers.

He has long portrayed himself as a reluctant leader willing to serve only as long as the president wishes it. But he has also been eager to make a lasting mark on defense policy. Now, having announced that he will stay on for “at least” another year, he may be in a position to secure his reputation as a reformer.

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My Comment: Who is to say that he will only stay for one more year? Why not 2 years?

The only way that he will leave the Pentagon is if (1) the President fires him, a possibility that will happen if .... and only if .... because of gross conduct and/or a complete failure in Afghanistan. Or (2) he will disobey his President (which is very unlikely) and retire on his own terms.

People are now looking at 2011 as the crunch time for the U.S. military .... both in Afghanistan, and in what military programs are going to be cut as budgetary pressures start to be felt in the U.S. Defense Budget. Will U.S. Secretary of Defense Gates choose to run instead of facing these challenges .... I doubt it. If the President tells him to stay .... he will definitely stay.