By Josh Rogin, CQ Staff

In selecting retired Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones to be his national security adviser, President-elect Barack Obama has chosen a figure who is not afraid to tell Congress his honest views on war policies, even if they contradict the White House.

Obama on Monday announced his intention to appoint Jones to the White House post, citing Jones’ work at the juncture of energy security and national security, as well as his diplomatic experience from Kosovo to Kabul.

“He will advise me and work effectively to integrate our efforts across the government, so that we are effectively using all elements of American power to defeat unconventional threats and promote our values,” Obama said.

Jones preached a vision of an integrated national security policy that matches Obama’s own vision of rejuvenating alliances and focusing on diplomacy and consensus-building.

“National security in the 21st century comprises a portfolio which includes all elements of our national power and influence working in coordination and harmony towards the desired goal of keeping our nation safe, helping to make our world a better place, and providing opportunity to live in peace and security for the generations to follow,” said Jones.

The national security adviser position does not require Senate confirmation and no hearings on Jones’ selection are currently planned or expected.

Favorable Reaction

Congressional Democrats reacted favorably across the board to Jones’ appointment.

“General Jim Jones is a long-time friend and a great leader. His good judgment, as well as his first-class diplomatic and management skills, will be of immense help to President Obama and the United States,” Ike Skelton , R-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.

Jones advised both Obama and Republican presidential nominee John McCain during the campaign. His statements over the years reflect support for some of the Bush war policies that Obama campaigned against.

Jones testified in support of the Iraq invasion. More recently, Jones said a deadline for troop withdrawal from Iraq would be “against our national interest,” another public stance that contradicts the views of Obama.

National security experts said Jones will be effective in his main task, corralling various government entities around the president’s policies.

“The Jones pick is good because the national security process has basically been dysfunctional under Bush,” said Lawrence Korb, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank in Washington. “Jones will help if you have military people who try to go off the reservation.”