WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a series of initiatives this past week aimed at revitalizing the military’s focus on lethality, readiness, and accountability, marking significant strides in fulfilling the Department of Defense’s (DOD) renewed priorities.
Speaking recently at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Hegseth addressed senior military leaders, emphasizing the department’s commitment to restoring the warrior ethos by prioritizing meritocracy, standards, and physical capability under combat conditions. “To be lethal, you have to trust that the warrior alongside you in battle…is capable,” he said.
Concurrent with Hegseth’s remarks, the DOD announced notable achievements and policy changes. Navy Secretary John Phelan formally rescinded the Navy’s “Climate Action 2030” program, stating that removing climate initiatives would enable a more centralized focus on creating a lethal and ready naval force. “Our focus needs to be on lethality and our warfighters,” Phelan affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Army revealed another milestone in force readiness, surpassing its fiscal 2025 reenlistment goal with five months left in the fiscal year. The Army retained over 15,600 soldiers, exceeding its target by 800 personnel. Incentives such as specialized training and station stabilization contributed to achieving early success.
Additionally, Hegseth signed three pivotal memoranda designed to strengthen command leadership and enforce higher standards across the force. One memo directed the reinstatement of service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations while ensuring they are fully welcomed back. Another addressed reforms to Military Equal Opportunity programs, aiming to prevent misuse while safeguarding fair treatment. The third initiated a review of medical waivers, targeting conditions like schizophrenia and chronic oxygen dependency to reinforce uncompromising physical and mental standards for service applicants.
“We’re doing everything we can, as quickly as we can, to reinstate those who were affected by [previous vaccination policies],” Hegseth noted while addressing broader adjustments under these initiatives.
These actions underscore the DOD’s resolute focus on strengthening its operational capabilities. Moving forward, the department aims to further align its policies with President Trump’s guidance, securing a more formidable and disciplined fighting force.
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