U.S. Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates made an unannounced visit to Iraq to speak with Iraqi leaders and U.S. military commanders, and to meet with service members on Victory Base Complex, Apr. 7.
Gates has made more than a dozen trips to Iraq; this will be his final visit as he nears retirement.
Upon arriving in country, the pentagon chief had a full schedule of events on his itinerary. Among them, a meet-and-greet with 200 service members from the U.S. Division - Central headquarters on Camp Victory for an open question-and-answer session.
Gates addressed several questions from the troops concerning stop-loss pay, mission extension and the Don't Ask-Don't Tell appeal.
"How do you see the possible government shutdown affecting military pay," one Soldier asked.
"You know, as a historian, it always occurred to me that the smart thing for government was always to pay the guys with guns first," Gates said, after assuring everyone that they would get paid.
Although the mission in Iraq is slated to end by Dec. 31, the administration is willing to keep the troops here longer, Gates said. But the request has to be made by the Iraqi government.
Later on he spoke of his time as the secretary of defense and the legacy he will leave behind. "When I took this job, I was asked what my agenda was and I said 'Iraq, Iraq, Iraq.'"
He recalled his first press conference in Iraq in December 2006. "There was a fire fight going on in the background. It was a very tough time and to see Iraq today is an amazing thing."
"The progress isn't perfect, but it is new and it's democracy," Gates said. "What has been achieved out here is a huge sacrifice for the Iraqis, U.S. troops and the American people. I think the Americans should take pride in what they have at home."
As Gates departed to continue his last tour of Iraq, his final statement to the service members was thanking them for their service and dedication.
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