New US defense chief vows to protect troops' safety, dignity

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ash Carter, sworn in Tuesday as President Barack Obama's fourth secretary of defense amid multiple global threats, pledged to offer his most candid strategic advice and carefully consider decisions about sending U.S. troops into harm's way.

Hours after taking the oath of office, Carter met with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in the Oval Office to discuss the security challenges that await him in the new job. Obama said their discussion covered battles in Ukraine, the threat from Islamic State militants and countering violent extremism that he said has been "turbocharged through the Internet."

"I could not be more confident that Ash Carter is going to do an outstanding job as secretary of defense, and he is hitting the ground running," Obama said, citing Carter's experience in other leadership positions at the Pentagon.

Carter, 60, replaces Chuck Hagel, who resigned under pressure after a rocky relationship with the White House.

Carter's swearing-in ceremony was held in the White House Roosevelt Room Tuesday while most of the federal government was closed because of snow. Biden issued the oath of office on a Bible held by Carter's wife.

Biden said Carter faces "many tough missions," ranging from battling Islamic State militants and strengthening the NATO alliance, to technological advancements and budget cuts. "This is the guy that fits the job," Biden said.

Carter responded that he was taking office with three commitments. He pledged to help Obama make the best possible decisions about U.S. and global security; to protect the dignity, safety and well-being of service members; and to build a force for the future that embraces change.