Ashton Carter Nominated as U.S. Secretary of Defense

On Friday, December 5, President Barack Obama introduced Ashton Carter as the nominee for the position of Secretary of Defense of the United States. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he will succeed Chuck Hagel. During the introduction ceremony held at the White House, the 60-year-old president praised Mr. Carter, stating that he can bring a 'unique combination of strategic vision and technical knowledge.' According to the Associated Press, Ashton Carter, who is expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will take charge of the Pentagon at a time when the U.S. is engaged in airstrikes against the Islamic State or ISIS positions in Iraq and Syria. He is currently the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Mr. Carter stated that he accepted the President's nomination for the position due to the 'seriousness of the strategic challenges ahead,' but on the other hand, there are 'specific opportunities' for the U.S. if they can seize them. Chuck Hagel, who remains in the position until a successor is appointed, was absent from Mr. Carter's introduction ceremony. He resigned from his position last month. Mr. Hagel denied reports on Thursday, December 4, that he was pressured to resign from the Department of Defense, stating that it was a mutual agreement between him and the President. He remarked, 'But you also have to know when to leave your post.' Ashton Carter, who is an expert in medieval history and theoretical physics, has gained his reputation as a specialist in advanced technology weapons and military budgets, and has established himself as a reform-minded individual within the extensive Pentagon bureaucracy to improve its performance. However, unlike Hagel, who served as a sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam War and was wounded, Ashton Carter has never served in the military and has limited experience in military strategy.