Chuck Hagel Stepping Down as Defense Secretary

Following a rocky tenure Chuck Hagel is resigning his post as secretary of defense, a senior administration confirmed.

With Hagel and Vice President Joe Biden standing by, President Barack Obama announced the Pentagon chief's departure from the White House State Dining Room on Monday morning.

"Chuck Hagel has been no ordinary Secretary of Defense," the president said. "As the first enlisted combat veteran to serve in that position, he understands our men and women like few others."

"He's been in the dirt and he's been in the mud," he continued. "And that's established a special bond. He sees himself in them, and they see themselves in him."

The president praised the 68-year-old, saying he'd played an important role in responding to the ISIS threat.

"Over nearly two years Chuck has been an exemplary defense secretary, providing a steady hand as we modernized our strategy and budget to meet long-term threats while still responding to immediate challenges like ISIL and Ebola," the president said.

"Thanks to Chuck, our military is on a firmer footing, engaged in these missions and looking ahead to the future," Obama said.

Both Hagel and Obama reportedly decided it was time for new leadership in the Pentagon. They had been discussing the matter for several weeks.

Hagel, a former Republican senator, has served in the post since early 2013. He will remain in office until his successor is confirmed by the Senate.