Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the Republican asked to stay on by President-elect Barack Obama, said on Tuesday that military commanders are looking at ways to more quickly pull troops out of Iraq in light of the 16-month timetable that was a centerpiece of the Democrat's campaign.

He also said it will be a high priority to work with the new Congress on legislation that will enable the United States to close the prison at the U.S. naval base in Cuba where about 250 terrorism suspects are still held.

In a blunt briefing, Gates acknowledged his unique position in the new administration -- a job he said he did not want or seek. "I guess I would say that I was engaged in my own form of strategic deterrence," said Gates, who for the past two years has talked only of his desire to return home to Washington state.

But Obama asked him to stay, and Gates said there was no way he could say no. And while there has been much speculation that his tenure might be somewhat short, Gates said that his agreement to stay on at the Pentagon is "open-ended" and that there is no timeline for his departure.

"I have no intention of being a caretaker secretary," Gates said.

Gates, who oversaw the buildup of forces in Iraq in 2006-2007, made it clear that he is comfortable and even impressed with Obama's commitment to the military and said he is "less concerned" about the 16-month Iraq withdrawal timetable.

IT'S OFFICIAL FOR RICHARDSON

Obama plans to name New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as his choice for commerce secretary today, adding another former campaign rival to his Cabinet, Democratic officials said.

Obama has chosen another adversary-turned-ally, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to be his secretary of state.

Richardson, one of the nation's most prominent Hispanic politicians, was energy secretary and U.N. ambassador in President Bill Clinton's administration. He sought the Democratic presidential nomination this year, but he eventually dropped out and endorsed Obama.

Richardson's nomination has been all but announced for several weeks.

ASSOCIATED PRESS