For Panetta’s successor, the job will be to run a smaller military with less money but growing threats -- spanning from the Middle East to Africa and North Korea.

Anthony Cordesman is with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

“Basically, it’s a slash and burn operation, initially at least, until the Congress turns it off. And then the question is no one knows -- will it be a continuing resolution? Will it be something going back to the previous level,” Cordesman asked.

When the cuts end depends on how soon Congress and the White House reach a budget deal. In the meantime, the concern among security analysts and Pentagon leaders is the extent of damage that could be done to the nation’s defenses.