Editorial: Obama's choice is sound on defense

President-elect Barack Obama has made a wise decision in getting Defense Secretary Robert Gates to stay on with the next administration. In addition, Obama has selected a retired Marine general to serve as the national security adviser.

Both moves will be beneficial to the new young president-elect, who has a thin foreign policy resume and no military experience.

Gates has served two years as Defense Secretary to President Bush. He has agreed to stay for at least a year with the new Obama administration. He has also served as CIA director under President George H.W. Bush.

The choice of national security adviser is retired General James Jones has served in the U.S. Marine Corp. He is also a former NATO supreme commander.

Keeping Gates will have support on both sides of the aisle in Congress. The choice will also have support with foreign leaders around the world and earn respect among senior military officer corps.

Jones brings significant military experience to the table. He definitely understands the danger of failure in Afghanistan as well as Iraq. He also understands the importance of maintaining an energy supply that is adequate, affordable and secure.

Obama's choices of experienced leaders for the defense secretary as well as national security adviser were wise moves. Bringing this significant experience to the new administration will be reassuring.

Their selection will bring wise council on defense and security issues for Obama as he becomes president and a new world leader.