Ashton Carter, the former second-in-command at the Pentagon, appears to be President Obama's next choice for U.S. secretary of defense, CNN reports.
Carter will replace Chuck Hagel if nominated by Obama. Hagel served in the position for two years.
Hagel's resignation was announced Nov. 24.
Carter served as deputy defense secretary under Hagel, and prior to that, under Leon Panetta. His strength, according to CNN, is managing a large budget, and understanding trends and technology of warfare.
