From CIA Director To U.S. Secretary Of Defense

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta talks to reporters from Stars and Stripes, Military Times, and American Forces Press Service in his Pentagon office, Friday, Aug. 19, 2011. DOD

Panetta Discusses Shift From Spy Chief To Caretaker -- Stars And Stripes

WASHINGTON – Once the nation’s spy chief, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is settling into his new role as caretaker of the world’s largest volunteer military force and their families, and facing down all of the challenges that come with the job.

“It’s a much bigger responsibility,” Panetta, the former CIA director, said in a recent interview in his Pentagon office.

But while some basic job descriptors are the same – defeat al-Qaida, protect the country – with the government ordering a massive budget-cutting season ahead, Panetta has a new responsibility: protect the military.

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My Comment: His primary focus will be cutting the Pentagon's budget. That is the emergency in Washington today (and tomorrow), and that is where his energies will be directed at.