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Summary Six days after hanging up his uniform, US general David Petraeus ended his brief retirement Tuesday.
He has been sworn in as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).Vice President Joe Biden officiated at the ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, at which Petraeus appeared not in his familiar olive, bemedalled dress uniform but in a business suit with a burgundy tie.Petraeus, 58, responding to questions about whether he will be too close to the military as CIA chief, has said he will not retain his uniform or ex-army aides and will adapt the more informal civilian bearing of the spy agency.Were doing this today in the Roosevelt Room because theres literally no time to waste. The president wants him on the job, Biden said.Duty, honor and country. The day I met you in Afghanistan, those words came to mind. You have had a truly distinguished career, general. Youve excelled in every single thing youve done, Biden told Petraeus, with whom he has differed on some aspects of war strategy.Petraeus, mastermind of the US troop surge strategy in Iraq, officially retired on Wednesday after a 37-year military career which ended with him serving as commander of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan.Thanks to President Obama for his confidence in an old soldier. I had a great retirement. Thats been a terrific week, Petraeus quipped.The ceremony was attended by Petraeuss wife Holly, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and John Brennan, President Barack Obamas top White House anti-terrorism advisor.
