President Obama has nominated Chuck Hagel, the former Republican senator from Nebraska, to replace Leon E. Panetta as secretary of defense. Obama also named John Brennan to succeed retired Gen. David H. Petraeus as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The White House made the announcements Jan. 7. Hagel, 66, earned two Purple Heart medals while serving combat tours in Vietnam with the Army. Brennan, 57, has served 25 years with the CIA. The Senate must confirm both nominations before Hagel or Brennan can assume their new duties.
