Leon Panetta

The current goal of completing transition by the end of 2014 is important to our effort in Afghanistan.

Our Reserve component is a valuable, highly experienced and well-trained element of that force.

Not at all. Not at all.

The administration has been clear that Russian objections will not change or limit our missile defense system capabilities or missile defense deployments.

Failure in Afghanistan would mean a return of the conditions that resulted in Afghanistan becoming the safe haven from which al Qaeda plotted the September 11 attacks against the United States.

I think it is pretty clear we can't succeed in Afghanistan if we are not succeeding in Pakistan in terms of controlling the safe havens and the cross-border operations.

Yes, I believe that continuing to engage with foreign partners through counterterrorism and capacity-building efforts, and maintaining strong international security relationships, will continue to be an imperative for DOD.

the greatest threat to our security today is the national deficit.

As far as I know, no one is discussing any boots on the ground there--at any time.

I think we owe it to them as a result of that, and we certainly owe it to their families, to make sure that we are doing everything possible to meet their needs.

After 30 years of war, the institutional and economic capacity of Afghanistan is badly damaged.

It is my understanding the Department has not asked for authorization for another Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC).

I support the priority given to GMD in the 2010 Ballistic Missile Defense Review.

The SPP is an excellent security cooperation tool that provides valuable training and experience to National Guard members.

Congress recently appropriated $250 million to make grants, conclude cooperative agreements, or supplement other Federal funds to construct, renovate, repair, or expand elementary and secondary public schools on military installations.

My top priority is ensuring that the warfighters have what they need to accomplish their missions and to provide for the national security of the United States.

We have to have zero tolerance for any kind of sexual assaults in the military.

It is important to note that, even after the SDSR, the United Kingdom was able to maintain 2 percent of GDP expenditure on its military, sustain its commitment to NATO operations in Afghanistan, and respond to the situation in Libya as a…

any further budget reductions beyond those in the current agreements, or constraints on hiring or retention of the Department's civilian workforce, would have an extremely adverse impact on our military's readiness and ability to execute…

It is a very important strategic area for the United States.

The defense of the United States and the American people is a sacred trust.

I do not believe that we have to choose between strong fiscal discipline and strong national defense.

Given the fact that rare earth elements are a critical component of our defense capability, availability of these elements will be one of my priorities and areas of focus.

What is the threat to our national interests? What is our capability to be able to respond, our military capability to respond to that kind of a threat? Have we exhausted all other remedies and options to the use of force?

it is necessary to harness the talents and resources of DOD, in coordination with those of DOD's Federal partners and the Governments of Mexico and Central American nations . . . . I believe a long-term solution will require a…