Breaking News: Gates replaces vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Pace

MSBNC Reports: 'TopJoint Chiefs of Staff leaders being replaced'

Citing war and Congress, Gates changes chairman and vicechairman

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he has decided toreplace the chairman and vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff rather thanhave them go through contentious hearings before Congress.

Speaking to reporters, and referring to the debate over the war in Iraq,Gates said he envisioned "a confirmation process that would not be in thebest interest of the country" were he to re-nominate Marine Gen. Peter Paceas chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Adm. Ed Giambiastiani as vicechairman.