Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addressed Georgetown students and faculty Wednesday on leadership and public service.
He focused his remarks on the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration saying they will seriously damage the country’s economy and degrade the military’s ability to respond to a crisis. Sequestration is scheduled to occur starting on March 1st.
Secretary Panetta also discussed Defense Department’s priorities and the threat of cyber attacks. President Obama has nominated former Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska to replace Panetta once he retires.
Panetta began serving as the 23rd Defense Secretary in President Obama’s administration on July 1, 2011. Prior to that, he directed the CIA from 2009 to 2011.
Georgetown provost Robert Groves provides introductory remarks.