Robert Gates

Connecticut Public Radio

Published November 8, 2011 at 10:34 AM EST

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Catie/Where%20We%20Live%2011-08-2011.mp3

Robert Gates was defense Secretary for two Presidents – one Republican and one Democrat.

Gates also oversaw two wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq, getting mixed reviews from defense experts for his handling of those conflicts.

He’s also been sharply critical of the types of wars that were left to him, pointing to a Future US strategy that avoids “big land wars” in places like the Middle East.

That future may also include a different, smaller military. Gates has called for cuts to “excessive” military spending, something that may be unavoidable in a Washington primed for budget cutting.

Gates is in Connecticut to give the The Robert C. Vance Distinguished Lecture at Central Connecticut State University. More information on the event here.

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