After all, he said, it was after lunch and almost the weekend.

“Of course, falling asleep in a leadership class is one thing,” Gates said. “Falling asleep in a small meeting with the president of the United States is quite another.

“But it happens. I was in one Cabinet meeting with President Reagan where the president and six members of the Cabinet all fell asleep.”

His words drew laughter from the students.

But the defense secretary, who is from Wichita, also addressed the current state of military affairs.

Gates fielded a student’s question about religious elitists pushing anti-U.S. sentiment in Pakistan, which in turn is increasing al-Qaida influence.

The defense secretary said that was true, but a “deficit of trust” between the United States and Pakistan also needed to be addressed. A possible concern in Pakistan is that once fighting in Afghanistan ends, the United States would “turn its back” on Pakistan. Gates said that is something that must be addressed.

Gates spoke to students about the ever-changing military and the need for developing doctrine, strategy and tactics needed for success in the 21st century that are likely to be very different from 20th century conflicts. He added that it was imperative that students continue to be the “visionaries, the pathfinders, the intellectual cutting edge of the Army.”

Technological advances will continue to give the United States advantages against its adversaries, but other aspects of war — psychological, cultural, political and human dimensions — should not be overlooked.

“There’s limits of technology and what military force can accomplish,” Gates said.

Gates became the only defense secretary to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president when President Barack Obama asked him to be part of his Cabinet. In total, he’s served eight presidents in some capacity.

Gates continues his stay in Kansas today as the keynote speaker at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum on the 65th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe.