To understand the tenure of outgoing Defense Secretary Hagel, consider this: After a contentious confirmation process that included the first filibuster of a Defense secretary nominee, Hagel was sworn in on Feb. 27, 2013. Two days later, the steep, automatic reductions in defense spending known as sequestration took effect. If it stays in effect through 2023, the sequester is expected to reduce average annual growth in defense spending to about 2.1 percent, down from an average annual growth rate of 7.1 percent from 2000 to 2012.

It’s been a bumpy and unpredictable ride, and even Hagel’s departure will have a harried quality. Even though the military feted the departure of its top civilian Wednesday with a parade, Hagel will be staying in office until Congress acts on his successor, Ashton B. Carter.