Leon Panetta

The current security agreement gives us the right to defend ourselves and Iraqi forces all the way through our drawdown.

The dwell times for our deploying forces are primarily driven by our commitment in Afghanistan and other operations around the world.

Appropriate levels of cooperation with Russia on missile defense would send a powerful signal to regional actors, such as Iran.

getting DOD auditable is a 'top priority' and that he would see about accelerating the timetable to getting DOD auditable.

We remain committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

My understanding is that the transition from DOD and DOS is on track.

I really think that if we don't begin analyzing sustainability at the front end--and I am going to make a formal request to you that every project that is being built right now--whether it is a road, whether it is a healthcare center…

Any future nuclear reductions must strengthen deterrence of potential regional adversaries, maintain strategic deterrence and stability vis-a-vis Russia and China.

I will ensure that future spending decisions are based on the Department's priorities, national security strategy, and a clear understanding of associated risks.

I think we have to continually work at that. We have to work at developing a relationship of trust with the Pakistanis.

I would continue to seek Pakistan's unambiguous support in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates operating in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

Yes. In order for DOD to develop, field, and maintain high-quality equipment, it must rely on a robust and capable defense industry.

Iran should respect Iraqi sovereignty and end its support to those who promote terrorism in Iraq.

Yes, this is still DOD's position.

The DOD cannot ignore these risks to its national security missions.

In politics, there has to be a line beyond which you don't go--the line that marks the difference between right and wrong, what your conscience tells you is right. Too often, people don't know where the line is. My family, how I was…

I support the current plan for the drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq in accordance with the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement.

As Secretary of Defense, I will ensure that Department policies, procedures, and actions: (1) stimulate and support vigorous competition and innovation in the industrial base supporting defense; and (2) establish and sustain cost-effective…

We must ensure that we prevail in the conflicts in which we are now engaged.

Yes, I am committed to the development of a dual-capable F-35 fighter.

It is imperative in the current and foreseeable future of downward budgets that DOD makes reductions in their spending in areas where solid business cases justify the reductions.

I fully support the administration's policy on this issue.

The Department goal for dwell time for our Active component is a ratio of 1:2.

Iraq is a sovereign country that, in its own interest, would be expected to resist efforts by any of its neighbors to exert improper influence.

In order to maintain this advantageous position, the administration is taking several steps to improve the protection of the United States from the potential ICBM threat posed by Iran and North Korea.