I'm wondering if the decision to keep Bob Gates at the Pentagon was clinched by the Russian military exercises off the coast of Venezuela. Perhaps some political language to Putin and Medvedev that there is, in fact, someone keeping an eye on military situations, rather than packing their crap into boxes.
Adding... Just to clarify, the Russians are deliberately toying with us, knowing we're in transition. Having Pentagon continuity sends a signal that we're paying attention and not calling U-Haul.
Adding also such as... Not a fan of this choice. But I can see the wisdom in maintaining some military continuity while everyone appears to be focused on other issues.