Hegseth Brags About Cutting Generals From the Pentagon as U.S. Fights Iran

Pete Hegseth started his day at the Pentagon with PT before cutting one in five of America’s most experienced generals and admirals across the services. Previously, he had pushed out nearly 20 senior officers, plus the secretaries of the Army and Navy. He also blocked several women and minorities from promotion.

During a conflict with Iran, the U.S. is set to grow its military footprint in Europe while also launching operations in the Caribbean. This shift arrives as part of a prearranged withdrawal from Iraq, more than 20 years on from the invasion there.

Hegseth’s Claim

What Hegseth called “woke culture.” is what he claimed to have rid the Pentagon of. His boast was that there would be no more diversity quotas, no more gender pronouns, no more identity months — only the warrior ethos.

Kendall’s Warning

Under President Biden, Frank Kendall served as Air Force Secretary. He has said it will take a generation to recover from Hegseth’s moves.

Kendall contends there is no surplus of generals or bloated ranks. He described what Hegseth is doing as a political stunt with a very negative impact.

The Intellectual Contest

The current challenges facing the U.S. military demand more than physical fitness and a warrior ethos, according to Kendall, who stressed the importance of the intellectual contest with adversaries.

The Pullout From Iraq

The U.S. military announced the completion of the long-planned pullout of troops from Iraq. It ends a 12-year military campaign against ISIS.

Already, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are treating their situation as though they have won.

What Hegseth Has Done

Hegseth’s actions break down into four parts:

1. Pushed out nearly 20 senior officers
2. Pushed out the secretaries of the Army and Navy
3. Blocked several women and minorities from promotion
4. Cut one in five of America’s most experienced generals and admirals

The War With Iran

America’s armed forces are engaged in a conflict with Iran, while simultaneously preparing for a greater presence in Europe and undertaking operations in the Caribbean.

Hegseth’s reshaping happens in the middle of that fight.

Kendall’s Bottom Line

Kendall’s warning is blunt. He said it will take a generation to recover from Hegseth’s moves.

He said there is no surplus of generals or bloated ranks, and he labeled what Hegseth is doing a political stunt that will have a very negative impact.

The Recovery Question

The recovery, Kendall warns, will take a generation. The war with Iran carries on. And the pullout from Iraq has now ended.

Kendall’s warning carries weight because it points toward lasting harm to the officer corps.

See the video the story is built around at CBS News.

defense secretary · Iran war · military · officer cuts · Pete Hegseth