WASHINGTON
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel resigned from his post Monday following a difficult tenure in which he struggled to work with the administration’s national security team.
During an emotional joint press conference to announce the resignation, Hagel said that his time at the position has "been the greatest privilege of my life."
"We have prepared ourselves, as the president has noted, our allies and Afghan National Security forces for a successful transition in Afghanistan. We bolstered enduring alliances and strengthened emerging partnerships while successfully responding to crises around the world. And we’ve launched important reforms, as the president noted - reforms that will prepare this institution for the challenges facing us in decades to come," he said of his time in office.
A Republican critic of the Iraq war, Hagel, 68, came aboard in February 2013 to manage the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, and to guide the Pentagon during a period of budget cuts known as sequestration.
President Barack Obama lauded the defense chief, who was the first enlisted officer to helm the Defense Department.
"Over nearly two years Chuck has been an exemplary defense secretary, providing a steady hand as we modernized our strategy and budget to meet long-term threats while still responding to immediate challenges like ISIL and Ebola," Obama said. “Chuck Hagel has been no ordinary secretary of defense. As the first enlisted combat veteran to serve in that position, he understands our men and women like few others because he stood where they stood, he’s been in the dirt, and he’s been in the mud."
The defense chief began discussions with Obama regarding his departure in October.
Less than a week ago Hagel was asked if he was concerned about speculation that he and other members of Obama’s national security team might be pushed out.
“No. First of all, I serve at the pleasure of the president. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I've had the last two years to work every day for the country and for the men and women who serve this country,” he said during an interview with noted journalist Charlie Rose. “I don't get up in the morning worried about my job. It's not unusual, by the way, to change teams at different times.”
Hagel served in the Senate from 1997 to 2009. During that time he formed a close relationship with then Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.
“When I nominated you for this position, you said that you’d always give me your honest advice and informed counsel," Obama said. "You have. When its mattered most, behind closed doors, in the Oval Office, you’ve always given it to me straight, and for that I will always be grateful."
Hagel was frustrated with the administration’s national security team, particularly National Security Advisor Susan Rice. In a letter sent just weeks ago he called on the administration to clarify its Syria policy, reportedly prompting anger from the White House.
Mark Perry, an independent defense and foreign policy analyst, said that Hagel was likely forced out of office due to tensions with Rice.
“Chuck Hagel didn’t want to continue to take orders from Susan Rice, and that’s when this started,” he said, adding that Obama “rewards loyalty.”
“That’s why we have the national security staff in place that we have, and that’s why Hagel is being shown the door, because Hagel raised too many questions about the policy – like what is the policy?,” he said.
Hagel was an infantry sergeant in the Vietnam War and was awarded two Purple Heart medals, the oldest military award given to U.S. service members, for his service.
He will remain in office until the Senate confirms a successor.
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