Petraeus said that in his years in the military he had often had the privilege of working with the “quiet professionals” of the CIA and looked forward to becoming their leader.“I have seen firsthand their expertise, their commitment to our nation, and their courage in dangerous circumstances. Their service to our country is of vital importance -- indeed, it is all the more vital as it is all the more unheralded,” he said. He added, “In short, I have enormous respect for the men and women of the agency and, if confirmed, I will do my utmost to serve, to represent, and to lead those great intelligence professionals, as well as to work closely with the DNI and the other intel community leaders, as Director Panetta has done so superbly over the past two and a half years.