Hagel: U.S. cannot "dictate to the world"

March 1, 2013




Newly sworn-in Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the U.S. cannot "dictate to the world" in remarks to Pentagon staff that also acknowledged looming sequestration concerns. Rough Cut (no reporter narration). STORY: Chuck Hagel, fresh from a fractious confirmation process and now on his first day on the job as U.S. secretary of defense, told military and civilian staff at the Pentagon on Wednesday (February 27) that he will do all in his power to be a worthy leader of the nation's military. "It's a privilege. Yes, for me, my family, but to be part of your team, who you are is the honor. That's the great privilege. You're not joining my team; I'm joining your team," Hagel said. Hagel will face the immediate task of guiding the Pentagon brass as they implement billions of dollars in mandatory budget cuts -- called sequestration in Washington political parlance -- which go into effect on Friday (March 01) and which are expected to result in layoffs or furloughs of thousands of civilian employees of the Pentagon. "We need to figure this out. You are doing that. You have been doing that. We need to deal with this reality," Hagel said.

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