[Pollster1]

If you are standing you are a nobody.

I suspect the two unidentified people in the back work for Panetta, and that having their pictures published confirms their future career paths as office work and not field work - if staying at a Langley desk was not already part of their plan. That would make them significant people in terms of planning/analysis, but not top brass with impressive titles (I've stood at a lot of those meetings, and my impression was that those standing often knew far more about the subject matter than anyone seated).

[GonzoGOP]

(I've stood at a lot of those meetings, and my impression was that those standing often knew far more about the subject matter than anyone seated)

Generally true. You are there in case your boss needs to ask a question. But you aren't running things at the meeting.

Note that one of the standees is a four star. But he has his command face on. Like a commander who has given the orders to subordinates and is now staying out of the way and watching. That is the look you would expect from a president who has just given the go order and is now stepping aside while the professionals do the job. Above all he shows confidence in his subordinates and a lack of obvious emotion. Good officers are as a rule not excitable people.

Compare that to Obama. He looks petulant. In contrast to the confident pose of the Admiral he is slouched. Rather than a commanding position, overlooking his staff, he is cowering in the corner pouting. Even if he is in command he isn't very good at instilling confidence in his troops.