President Barack Obama on Monday nominated former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as his next defense secretary and counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to head the CIA.

President Obama names his picks for two top national security posts, tapping former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary and John Brennan for CIA head (Photo: foxnews)

Obama hailed Hagel an “American patriot” and hoped that the Senate will vote on these confirmations promptly. Earlier Obama praised Brennan as the nation’s most skilled and respected intelligence professional who has been tireless in his work.