President Obama announced today his choice for the Secretary of Defense. As expected, President Obama nominated former Senator Chuck Hagel. The nomination continues a tradition of nominating Republicans to the post. The former Republican Senator from Nebraska also served in the Vietnam War, an experience that has shaped his policy stances. As Senators, Barack Obama and Chuck Hagel bonded over their mutual dislike of the Iraq War. Later, President Obama appointed Sen. Hagel to co-chair the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.