Jimmy Carter was confirmed February 6 as the secretary of defense . Hagel , a former Republican senator , resigned after less than two years on the job when he was unable to fully mesh with President Barack Obama 's national security team at the White House . He will visit U.S. troops and Afghan officials during his two - week stay .
Jimmy Carter was confirmed February 6 as the secretary of defense . He will visit U.S. troops and Afghan officials during his two - week stay .