Ashton Carter

Pentagon Chief Says U.S. Plans To Increase Tempo Of Air Attacks Against ISIS

3:36pm October 27, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the U.S. would not hesitate to back its partners using airstrikes or "direct action on the ground."

Fighters from the Islamic State group parade in Raqqa, northern Syria. The U.S. is considering arming Arab and Kurdish fighters who are poised to attack the Islamic State stronghold.

World News

U.S. Shelves Program Intended To Train Syrian Rebels

1:37pm October 09, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

The U.S. will shift the focus to training so-called "enablers" in Turkey. Those leaders of opposition groups will gather intelligence and coordinate airstrikes with existing fighters.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter (center left) is greeted with a military honor guard as he arrives to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Saturday.

Defense Secretary Carter Hints At Slowing U.S. Exit From Afghanistan

3:51pm February 23, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Ashton Carter, on a surprise visit to Afghanistan, said he was there to assess the situation on the ground and indicated that a "rethinking" of the U.S. troop withdrawal timetable was possible.

Vice President Biden swears in Ashton Carter, as the new Secretary of Defense's wife, Stephanie, holds the Bible for a ceremony in the White House Tuesday.

Ashton Carter Is Sworn In As Obama's 4th Defense Secretary

12:26pm February 17, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The cold and snow that walloped Washington didn't stop Ashton Carter from reporting for work at the Pentagon Tuesday. Carter was sworn in as the 25th U.S. Secretary of Defense on Tuesday.

Ashton Carter answers a reporter's question during a March 2013 news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea.

Senate Confirms Ashton Carter As Defense Secretary

5:58pm February 12, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

Carter will take over the Pentagon for Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. Carter served as the No. 2 defense official under Leon Panetta.

Ashton Carter, President Obama's nominee to be the next secretary of defense, talks with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, during a break in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week. The panel approved Carter's nomination Tuesday.

Politics & Government

Senate Panel Approves Carter's Nomination As Defense Chief

11:59am February 10, 2015

by Bill Chappell

In a vote that sends his nomination to the full Senate, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved Ashton Carter's bid to be the next secretary of defense Tuesday.

President Obama announced Friday that Ashton Carter is his nominee to succeed Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.

Politics & Government

Obama Taps Ashton Carter As Defense Secretary Nominee

11:21am December 05, 2014

by Krishnadev Calamur

Carter, a former No. 2 at the Pentagon, would succeed Chuck Hagel. If confirmed, he will be President Obama's fourth defense secretary.

Reports: Ashton Carter Emerges As Obama's Top Pick For Secretary Of Defense

3:06pm December 02, 2014

by Eyder Peralta

Carter served as the No. 2 defense official under Leon Panetta. While relatively unknown to the public, he's respected for his intelligence.