Outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel receives a traditional clapping-out ceremony on his final work day as he leaves the Pentagon, Feb. 13, 2015. Hagel, the 24th defense secretary, is the only enlisted veteran to have been appointed to the cabinet position. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, right, join in the applause. The Senate confirmed Ash Carter, former deputy defense secretary, to serve as the next defense secretary.