On February 25, 2011, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates gave a speech at the military academy at West Point, New York.  The speech was a farewell address to the cadets, since the secretary plans on retiring from his post sometime later this year.  Gates had led the Pentagon since late 2006.  He played a key role in the troop surges in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  During his presentation, Gates commented on a number of issues, including the need for the U.S. Army hierarchy to advance the careers of innovative, non-traditional officers. Continue Reading »