David Petraeus says he won’t bring his own brain trust to CIA
David Petraeus, President Obama’s choice to be the new CIA director, says he will come alone when he assumes the post later this summer -- he’s not bringing a retinue of military aides.
Petraeus said he was mindful of the CIA’s reputation for co-opting new directors -- recruiting them, in agency parlance, the way CIA case officers seduce foreign officials into doing their bidding.
He said he will tell CIA employees on his first day, “I’m here to recruit you, and I know that you’re here to recruit me. I also know that the director of the National Clandestine Service” -- the CIA’s spying arm -- “is my case officer.”
Petraeus was speaking at his confirmation hearing before the Senate intelligence committee.
Currently the top military commander in Afghanistan, Petraeus will resign from the military before joining the CIA.
If confirmed, he’ll replace Leon Panetta, confirmed this week as the new secretary of Defense.
A vote on his nomination is expected before July 4.
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