Robert Gates

The truth of the matter is the Iraqis want us out of the country as quickly as possible.

We shrink from our global security responsibilities at our peril.

Improving Afghan governance remains a major challenge to success.

Drastic reductions in the size and strength of the U.S. military make armed conflict all the more likely.

These budget decisions took place in the context of a nearly 2-year effort by DOD to reduce overhead, cull troubled and excess programs, and rein in personnel and contractor costs.

Illiteracy can cost lives in combat and renders the police ineffective in providing basic public security functions.

Our concern, as I indicated yesterday, is principally in three areas: intelligence fusion, logistics and maintenance, and in air cover in providing the ability to protect their own air space.

I know you will join me in doing everything to ensure they have all they need to accomplish their mission and come home safely.

I have urged President Obama as recently as last Friday to approve this request.

Retrenchment brought about by short-sighted cuts could well lead to costlier and more tragic consequences later.

In the event of an attack, the President has emergency authorities to direct a unified, national response.

The SSN will be replaced on DOD ID cards by the DOD ID Number.

The rise of China as a regional political, economic, and military power with global ambitions is one of the defining elements of the international strategic and security environment.

The TFBSO proved to be an invaluable element of the United States' comprehensive civil-military effort in Afghanistan.

I share your concern with the past performance of space programs.

I have zero tolerance for any kind of sexual assault, as do the leaders of all of the Services.

The best approach for accountability under the acquisition strategy for the AEHF communications satellites is the fixed-price, incentive fee contract.

I strongly support USAID's continued assistance to the Afghan Government to build effective governance structures and effectively deliver services to the Afghan people.

Contract penalties for unmet milestones or premature failure in on-orbit performance will also apply.

the reduction of forces and resources available from other Alliance members will not force the United States to make adjustments in order to meet its obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty.

Literacy education is a key component in the development of the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF).

U.S.-Mexico relations deepened significantly in recent years, including with respect to security cooperation on matters of mutual concern such as countering TCOs.

DHS is responsible for coordinating the national effort to improve the cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure.

The new bomber will be nuclear capable.

the F-22 is far and away the best air-to-air fighter ever produced, and it will ensure U.S. command of the skies for the next generation.