confidence of Obama as leader of the CIA, and has name recognition, which is important, Berteau said, adding: It's a name Americans recognize. Filling Bob Gatesshoes is really going to be a tough job. Berteau said the president's choice of Petraeus to lead the CIA indicates that Obama is interested in his national security views and efforts and it indicates that the president cares about the way all those pieces fit together. Earlier this month, Petraeus took a highly unusual step for a military officer when he publicly acknowledged the possibility of being in contention for a presidential appointment. It's probably not appropriate for me to comment on whatever might be considered down the road, he told reporters in Kabul when asked about the possible CIA nomination. I 've had discussions, but again, it would n't be appropriate to comment. Petraeus, 58, assumed command of the NATO International Security Assistance Force -LRB- ISAF -RRB- and U.S. Forces Afghanistan on July 4, 2010, after serving for more than 20 months as commander of United States Central Command. He previously commanded multi-national forces in Iraq, leading the so-called surge. During his time commanding the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, he oversaw the development of the Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual. Crocker has served previously as U.S. ambassador to Iraq and to