Leon Panetta actually said...

We are convinced that it would result in hollowing out the force and inflicting severe damage to our national defense.

Panetta warns of the dangers of further budget cuts to national defense.

02/13/2012

More Leon Panetta Quotes

Our goal is to complete all of the transition to a training, advisory, and assistance role in 2013.

This can't just fall on the backs of defense. Other areas have to be considered if we're going to be able to effectively reduce the deficit.

Let me be clear. You can't take a half a trillion dollars out of the defense budget and not incur additional risks.

At some point, Congress and the President have to address that larger issue.