Pentagon sets topics for new boss

Barack Obama's transition team has yet to show up at the Pentagon, but the president-elect did make a brief courtesy call to Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, late last week. Obama phoned to say he was looking forward to working with the nation's top military officer, but there was no talk of major issues.

No word whether he made a similar call to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is thought to be under consideration for a job extension.

The Defense Department's transition team, led by Robert Rangel, special assistant to Gates, compiled info on dozens of key issues that would need attention during the first 90 days of the new administration.

Mullen has his own task force working with Rangel's group. His 14-member team, led by Marine Brig. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., gathered data so Mullen can lay out the military options addressing eight to 10 top issues. Those issues range from war strategy and the Iranian threat to the grim reality of how seven years at war has strained U.S. armed forces.