New Defense chief ‘no shrinking violet’

Defense experts predict President Obama’s pick to lead the Pentagon will want to leave his own mark on a department where he has spent years working.

They say Ashton Carter, 60, will be a forceful personality, and that his years of experience and close ties with Republicans on Capitol Hill will allow him to stand up to the White House. 

“What you'll get with Ash Carter is that he's no shrinking violet,” said Shawn Brimley, executive vice president and director of studies at the Center for a New American Security. “You want someone who's going to come to the table and express views and give the president the benefit of having strong national security advice."

Carter, 60, is widely respected by both Democrats and Republicans, say his supporters.

“Washington may be surprised,” said Mackenzie Eaglen, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “He will surely want to make a stamp on the Department of Defense and leave a legacy behind.”

Read the full article at The Hill.