President Obama taps high level defense officials
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Obama thanked a pair of defense officials for their service and nominated another pair to fill their shoes.
Obama nominated former Republican Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to replace Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is retiring. Obama says Hagel would be the first Vietnam veteran to serve as defense secretary.
Meanwhile, Obama also selected counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to lead the CIA. CIA director General David Petraeus stepped down after admitting to an affair.
Each of today's nominees will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.