Chuck Hagel actually said...

If confirmed, I would of course place great weight on the assessments and recommendations of combatant commanders...

Hagel emphasizes the importance of military commanders' advice in decision-making.

01/30/2013

More Chuck Hagel Quotes

I am absolutely committed, as my predecessors have been--you noted Secretary Panetta's involvement--to make this work and to have these two ...

I cannot certify, nor can the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, or any of our chiefs, to have our young men and women go to war if they are unpr...

I have not made a recommendation to the President that we should militarily intervene.

I think it is pretty clear, as we are consolidating our bases and handing over responsibilities.