"I do not know enough" about Defense Department programs and technology, Chuck Hagel admitted in today's hearing. "If confirmed (as Defense secretary), I intend to know a lot more," Hagel promised.
Hagel told the hearing that, in addition to these Defense Dept. details, "There are a lot of things I don't know about."
Hagel said:
"A number of questions were asked of me today about specific programs, submarine programs, different areas of technology and acquisitions, and our superior technology. I've said I do not know enough about it. I don't. There are a lot of things I don't know about."
Hagel also dispelled any concerns that he thought he "will be running anything":
"If confirmed, I intend to know a lot more than I do. I will have to. But at the same time, I would never think that this, as I said earlier, is about me or I will be running anything."
"I will be the leader. I'll be responsible. I will be accountable, but I've got to rely on the right teams, the right people to bring those people together. And again, it's accountability and responsibility. I would stop there, if that gives you some sense of how I would intend to do this business."