Robert Gates said...

My staff and I have learned that it was nearly impossible to get accurate information and answers to questions such as, ...

the only way I could get significant new or additional equipment to commanders in the field in weeks or months--not year...

the way the things ought to operate is that if there is a sense on the Hill, a majority view, that the budget needs to b...

He would be candid and honest, willing to tell the President straight from the shoulder what he needs to hear.