Senior Officers Raise Alarms Over Hegseth’s Reforms

Story by John Baker

Senior Officers Raise Alarms Over Hegseth’s Reforms© Getty Images

Military leaders have voiced concerns over Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new defense strategy, which prioritizes domestic security over international commitments to allies like China and Russia. They warned the shift could threaten both national and international security. Retired General Dan Caine and other senior officers criticized the National Defense Strategy’s focus on homeland threats, warning it could affect military readiness. 

Hegseth said, "There needs to be more warfighter training.” He added, "We don’t do enough of it. We don’t do enough flying training. I like this approach … I thought it was a strong speech.” U.S. House Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) said, "Deploying U.S. troops against U.S. citizens in American cities isn’t just unprecedented and unconstitutional — it’s UNAMERICAN.” 

Ryan added, "Every freedom-loving American Patriot, regardless of their political party, must speak up NOW.” Hegseth also proposed cutting senior officers by 20%, raising concerns about operational effectiveness and morale. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the National Defense Strategy aligns with administration goals. Parnell said, "The war on warriors is over.” He added, "Political correctness has no home at the Department of War.

Today’s address cements a new but familiar culture we refer to as the warrior ethos and postures the department toward a new era of peace through strength.” U.S. House Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) claimed Hegseth "embodies dangerous views that undermine our military’s efficacy, lethality and readiness.” U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) added, "This comes at the expense of real national security. But obviously they don’t give a rip.”