Robert Gates is set to become the 22^nd United States Secretary of Defense after Donald Rumsfeld's recent resignation.  Rumsfeld has been heavily criticized of his job related abilities by both parties.

Unlike Donald Rumsfeld, Robert Gates has a lot of experience working with past presidents and in roles of leadership pertaining to national security.  Robert Gates served for 26 years in the CIA and the in the National Security Council.  Under Bush-41 he served as the Director of Central Intelligence.

Robert Gates has quite a resume, but he isn't in just yet.  In order for him to become Secretary of Defense, he must be confirmed first by the Senate Armed Services Committee and if approved, by the majority of the Senate.  With the recent election giving the control of both the Senate and the House to the Democrats, Gates's chances might be slimmer than expected.

Here is a little more history about Gates.  Robert Gates was nominated to become the Director of Central Intelligence in 1987.  He withdrew his nomination because it was clear that the Senate would reject it due to his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal.  If you are unfamiliar with the Iran-Contral scandal, here is a brief description about what happened.  The Iran-Contra scandal took place in the 1980s where it involved many members of the Reagan Administration who sold arms under the table to Iran, yes Iran, and used the money to fund the Contras, an organization in Nicaragua, to fight the communist guerillas.

Will he get confirmed this time around?  Who knows.  Would I vote for his confirmation?  I actually would.  I believe Gates can and will do an excellent job as Defense Secretary.  He has the knowledge and know-how from past experiences to possible turn this war around.  I believe he is a great candidate for the job, and I just have to wonder why Bush-43 didn't appoint Gates to the position instead of Rumsfeld.