Gates Offers Inclusion, “Fresh Perspective”

The new Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, at his swearing in ceremony Monday, told the assembled military members, “I value your professionalism and your experience, and I will rely on your clear-eyed advice in the weeks and months ahead.” Just a few lines later in his remarks, Gates emphasized again that it is his intention to involve the professionals “in the decision-making process early and often” because they are the ones “who ultimately must carry out the decisions.” At the ceremony, President Bush remarked that Gates has a “track record of steering large organizations through change and transformation.” And, Bush said he expects Gates—with his “fresh perspective”—to help “forge a new way forward in Iraq.”