I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary.

If I had another life, that's what I'd be - a regimental sergeant major or a similar rank. That's where the spirit of the armed forces is.

My heroes are the non-commissioned officers. If I had another life that's what I'd be - a regimental sergeant major or a similar rank. That's where the spirit of the armed forces is.

I'll tell you what I do have: I have a good feel for ordinary people, for politics, and those are my strengths. I understand, I hope instinctively, where many of our Armed Forces come from.

You know, 1% of us is in the armed forces, protecting the other 99, and they're all volunteers.

Every member of the U.S. Armed Forces knows what they signed up for, and they know what their job is, and they are proud of their job.