Dr. Robert Gates, a former Defense Secretary, spoke at the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University on Wednesday, Jan. 29. He shared his leadership and national security experiences with communities, students, and staff.
Gates discussed the experience of switching between two very different administrations, which has rarely been done before, including the bin Laden raid. He was the defense secretary from 2006 to 2011 in both the Bush and Obama administrations.
“That is the first time that has happened in the history of our country,” said former Senator George Lemieux, commenting on the rarity of being retained by a new presidential administration.
Gates went on to describe how he started at the CIA as a Russian analyst and worked his way up to becoming director of the agency.
“He was the first individual in history to begin as a lower-level analyst and work his way up to become the CIA director,” said Lemieux, emphasizing Gates' impressive career path.
In addition to his federal service, Gates was chancellor at the College of William & Mary and president of Texas A&M University. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom following his retirement from teaching. Prior to the Lemieux Center’s event, Gates met with Palm Beach Atlantic University students and answered some of their questions.
“Before we got here today, the Secretary was kind and grateful to see some of our students who asked great questions,” explained LeMieux.
Gates shared insights into making critical decisions under pressure. He emphasized that one of the most pressing challenges upon taking office was addressing the need for better-protected military personnel on the battlefield. Many troops at the time were operating without adequate armored vehicles and defensive equipment, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
“One of my main concerns when I was appointed secretary was the number of young soldiers dying in battle due to insufficient protection,” Gates recalled. “I remember ending every meeting with, ‘Every day you delay, kids are dying,’ and we got it done.”
Gates described the intense pressure to hurry the development and deployment of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which significantly reduce casualties from roadside bombs. Despite what he described as the bureaucratic red tape and logistical challenges, his persistence ensured that thousands of MRAPs were delivered to troops, saving countless lives. Gates’ resolution to prioritize soldier safety remains one of his most significant contributions as Secretary of Defense.
He also reflected on the bin Laden raid and the tense moments in the Situation Room. He described how the mission was planned with absolute secrecy, with only a handful of top officials aware of its execution.
“We knew we had a narrow window to act, and every minute of delay increased the risk,” explained Gates.
When the SEAL team reached the compound, technical difficulties caused a blackout in the live feed being monitored by the White House and Pentagon. Gates and other officials were left in silence, unaware if the mission had failed or succeeded.
“When they went inside, we lost both audio and video,” Gates said. “It was five or ten very long minutes. Then we heard, ‘Geronimo EKIA’—bin Laden was killed in action.”
According to Gates, the tension in the Situation Room was palpable, and when the confirmation came through, the room erupted in quiet relief. After reflecting on past events, Gates didn’t hold back when discussing modern global security challenges.
“We are in a more perilous time today than we’ve been in decades,” he said. “We face aggressive autocratic powers in both Europe and Asia and we have not faced a competitor like China before—one with economic power, technological strength and military capability.”
Gates elaborated on why China presents a unique challenge compared to previous geopolitical rivals. Unlike the Soviet Union during the Cold War, China had a deeply integrated role in the global economy, meaning that any conflict with China could have immediate and wide-reaching consequences. He also noted that China’s advancements in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and technology place them in a position to challenge U.S. leadership in ways that no previous country has before.
“We are not just competing militarily; we are competing in innovation, trade, and global influence,” Gates added. “The decisions we make today will shape the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.”
His remarks underscored the growing complexity of global affairs and the need for strong, informed leadership.
The event wrapped up with appreciation from all of those in attendance, who valued the opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience.
“His entire story is so fascinating. He brought some very distinct and unique perspectives, no one else has stood in some of the shoes he has been in,” mentioned Rachel Kanagy, a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University. “I’m grateful he was able to come and speak. You learn so much at these events.”
By Daniella Pacheco
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