All defense secretaries in wartime have, needless to say, made misjudgments.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Only four secretaries of defense served longer than Robert M. Gates. Many others were as dedicated; many sacrificed a great deal. Alone among them all, however, Mr. Gates had the task of turning around two wars that the U.S. was losing.
I never expected to be Defence Secretary. It's a great privilege.
That soldiers do terrible things during wartime should not surprise us.
The Secretary of Defense is not a super General or Admiral. His task is to exercise civilian control over the Department for the Commander-in-Chief and the country.
In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.
My own military background is wholly un-distinguished. I was a sergeant.
The services in wartime are fit only for desperadoes, but in peace are only fit for fools.
Many intelligence reports in war are contradictory; even more are false, and most are uncertain.
Any information about U.S. special operations forces is highly sensitive.
All very successful commanders are prima donnas and must be so treated.