Robert Gates actually said...

I have a responsibility to provide operationally ready forces in support of the combatant commander and to meet our commitments to Allies and partners in the region, including under the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Context

Gates emphasizes the importance of operational readiness and commitments to allies.

02/01/2010

https://www.congress.gov...

More Robert Gates Quotes

By continuing to repeat that the U.S. will not put boots on the ground, the President, in effect, traps himself.
9/16/2014
They're not going to be able to be successful against the ISIS strictly from the air or strictly depending on the Iraqi forces or the Peshme...
9/16/2014
So there will be boots on the ground if there is to be any hope of success in the strategy.
9/16/2014
In the end, the Iraqi leadership did not try to get an agreement through their parliament that would have made possible a continued U.S. mil...
9/15/2014

View All Robert Gates Quotes