Obama picks: War skill, political savvy

WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama shuffled his national security advisers Thursday, tapping an Army general to lead the CIA and a Washington veteran to head the Pentagon.

Obama announced Gen. David Petraeus, the top coalition forces commander in Afghanistan, as his nominee to replace CIA Director Leon Panetta, whom Obama nominated to succeed retiring Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

"I've worked closely with most of the individuals on this stage and all of them have my complete confidence," Obama said. "Given the pivotal period that we're entering into, I felt it was absolutely critical that we have this team in place so we can stay focused on our mission."

Obama also said veteran diplomat Ryan Crocker was his choice to become U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, and Marine Lt. Gen John Allen to succeed Petraeus overseeing coalition troops in Afghanistan.

All positions require Senate confirmation, which Obama urged to occur "as swiftly as possible."

Obama said Petraeus' experience in Iraq and Afghanistan made him suited to lead the CIA. He also noted Petraeus would retire from the military to serve as CIA director.

"As a lifelong consumer of intelligence, he knows that intelligence must be timely, accurate and acted upon quickly," Obama said.

Obama lauded Panetta's work at the CIA and noted his extensive work in Washington will help him confront the budget pressures the Pentagon is expecting.

"As a former Office of Management and Budget director, he'll ensure that even as we make tough budget decisions we'll maintain our military superiority," Obama said.

Panetta also acknowledged the budget-cutting exercises he likely will face, noting, his job -- if approved -- was not only to ensure "we're able to prevail in conflict, but [is] also about being strong and disciplined in applying limited resources."

But he assured the audience that while looking at the bottom line, the integrity of the armed forces and its ability to protect the United States would never be compromised.

Obama said Crocker's background, including establishing the first U.S. Embassy in Kabul and serving as ambassador to Iraq, made him a logical choice.

"Few Americans know this region and its challenges better," the president said. "This is exactly what is needed now in Afghanistan."

"The challenges are formidable and the stakes are high," Crocker said, noting the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States originated in Afghanistan. "Our enemy must never again have that opportunity."

Allen is a "battle-tested combat leader" who has been integral to planning and executing strategy in Afghanistan, Obama said.

"I understand well the demands of this mission," Allen said. "If confirmed … I will dedicate my full measure to the successful accomplishment of the tasks and objectives set before us."

Gates, who is retiring June 30, called being defense secretary "the greatest honor of my life."

He said his highest priority has been to do all he could to help U.S. troops "accomplish the mission, come home safely … and if wounded to get best possible care. I will miss them deeply."

Obama said Gates, who served under seven presidents, has "more than earned the right to return to private life at the end of June. I'm confident Bob Gates will be remembered as one of the greatest defense secretary of all time."