requires managing multiple dough mystic areas. i m confident he would do so as well as secretary of homeland security. in addition, as senior military assistant to two sek secretaries of defense, john successfully helped lead the largest and most complex organization in the country. he was invaluable to me and leon panetta in helping break down bureaucratic barriers to operation and holding senior officials accountable for decisions and performance. the needs of the troops on the front line were always foremost for him. special importance to this committee, john kelly was twice assigned as marine corps liaison to the congress. the second time as the could man dant senior legislative assistant. as a result, he has a deep understanding of the legislative process and especially of the need to be responsive to congress and to have a relationship of openness and trust.