Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is headed out the door. President Obama announced Hagel's resignation in a statement at the White House. Obama praised Hagel's tenure as defense chief and called him a great friend. He said Hagel has been instrumental in putting together the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Obama noted that Hagel has led efforts to stamp out sexual assault from the military ranks. Obama also praised Hagel's service as a decorated Vietnam War veteran.

Standing next to the President and Vice President Biden, Secretary Hagel called his tenure the greatest privilege of his life. Republican Hagel is a former U.S. Senator from Nebraska. He took over the Pentagon in February of last year.

Hagel has agreed to remain on the job until a successor is confirmed by the Senate. That could be a rough road with Republicans taking over control of the Senate in January. Many Republicans have been harshly critical of the President's foreign policy and defense strategies.  (Metro Networks Inc)

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