Panetta: Obama Can Unilaterally Use Military to Protect 'National Interests'
CIA Director Leon Panetta, who President Barack Obama has nominated to be secretary of Defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that he believes the president can unilaterally use military force, without congressional authorization to "protect our national interests." Ref. Source 3
Secretary Recaps Recent Asia-Pacific Trip
US Military News
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta provided a personal recap of his trip to Indonesia, Japan and South Korea in a message to the men and women of the Defense Department.
Source: American Forces Press Service News Feed
Leon Panetta becomes first Pentagon chief to visit Libya:
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta arrived in Tripoli Saturday, taking advantage of the ouster of Moammar Gadhafi in an eight-month civil war to become the first Pentagon chief to set foot on Libyan soil. Ref. Source 4
Panetta Hails New Era for Security in the Americas
US Military News
A transformation has taken place over the past decade in the Western Hemisphere, where countries are doing more than they ever have to advance peace and security within and beyond their borders, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said aboard a military aircraft en route to Peru.
Source: American Forces Press Service News Feed
Fostering a culture of stewardship in the military
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has ordered the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to determine how to "Foster a culture of stewardship" among the military's most senior officers in light of a series of scandals that has rocked the Pentagon, the military announced Thursday morning. The findings will be delivered in a report to the White House on Dec. 1. Ref. USAToday