It's not far from CIA headquarters, where Leon Panetta headed the spy agency for 2½ years, to the Pentagon, where he takes over Friday as secretary of defense. The two jobs, however, are worlds apart. Full story
President Barack Obama has honored outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates' four decades of public service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Full story
During a farewell tribute for his four decades of service, President Obama on Thursday presented Defense Secretary Robert Gates with this country's highest civilian honor. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, and author Wes Moore talk about the legacy of Robert Gates.
Outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates repeatedly warned against withdrawing too quickly from Afghanistan despite President Barack Obama’s wishes. Former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft explains whether Gates lost the argument about the drawdown.
In their debate Monday the seven Republican presidential contenders showed that they haven’t yet focused on a question that will be hard to avoid: how to resolve the irrepressible conflict between Americans’ overseas military commitments and its debt burden. Full story
ARLINGTON, VA - JUNE 30: United States President Barack Obama presents Secretary of Defense Robert Gates with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his Armed Services Farewell Tribute on the River Parade Field at the Pentagon June 30, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia. Appointed by former President G
