Michele Flournoy

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U.S. Central Commander Gen. David Petraeus looks on at right as Defense Undersecretary Michele Flournoy testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 16, 2010, before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Drew Angerer)

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Witnesses testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, about U.S. policy toward Iran's nuclear program are, from left to right: Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns, Marine General James Cartwright, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Lt. Gen. Ronald Burgess, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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Defense Undersecretary for Policy Michele Flournoy, left, talks with Marines Lt. Gen. John Paxton, director for operations, the Joint Staff, talk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, prior to their testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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Two possible successors to Mr. Panetta if he does step down are former Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy (top) and Undersecretary Ashton B. Carter. Both held positions in the Clinton administration, and both hold positions like Mr. Panetta’s.