Tri-Service

Obama Calls For Seamless Transition For US Military To Trump

President Barack Obama has called for a smooth handover U.S. military to POTUS-to-be Donald Trump, as the outgoing president met Wednesday with military leaders for the last time.

“We've got to make sure that during this transition period that there is a seamless passing of the baton, that there's continuity, we are doing everything we can to make sure that the next president will benefit from the same kinds of outstanding advice and service that these people around the table have provided me.''

His comments come amid concerns over Trump’s future handling of national security challenges.

There has been a good deal of controversy where Trump’s handling of military matters is concerned.

In the last few days alone, Trump has disputed the U.S. intelligence community's assessments about Russian hacking, insisted without explanation that North Korea won't develop a nuclear weapon that could hit the U.S., and questioned the worth of the UN.

In the meeting, Obama highlighted a number of conflicts that will be passed on to Trump’s presidency, including the ongoing fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq.

Obama also noted that the conflict in Afghanistan “is still active.”

But the president made sure to praise the military, saying that he was optimistic about the country's future because the military upholds

“The values of rule of law and professionalism and integrity, and recognizes our constitutional structure and maintains strict adherence and respect for civilian authority and democratic practices in determining how we use the awesome force of the American military.''

The president was also honoured at a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, a short drive from the White House.

Addressing a room of men and women from the various branches of the military, Obama praised their service and sacrifice.

“As I reflect on the challenges we have faced together and on those to come, I believe that one of the greatest tasks before our armed forces is to retain the high confidence that the American people rightly place in you. We must never hesitate to act when necessary to defend our nation, but we must also never rush into war because sending you into harm's way should be a last and not first resort.''