In the military, we live our values. In the U.S. Army, respect is “central to the Army’s mission and the lives of its soldiers.” The Marine Corps states that honor is the bedrock of the institution’s character, and the mission of the U. S. Naval Academy is to develop leaders who have the mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship, and government. The value statements of our armed forces prominently feature words like integrity, loyalty, courage, and honesty—words that define our core aspirational beliefs.
Yet at this moment, the Department of Defense faces the prospect of being led by a man who falls far short of these values, failing to embody the basic principles that we have long said military leaders should uphold. No one is perfect, but the leader of the Department of Defense should, at a minimum, attempt to aspire to the values expected of men and women in uniform.
If Hegseth were an honorable man, would he have advocated for President-elect Donald Trump to override the longstanding and respected military justice system and pardon war criminals? Does anyone believe he will protect our men and women in uniform against Trump’s inclinations to unethically use the military against fellow Americans? Trust is the currency behind effective leadership in our military. How can we trust this man to be honest? To serve for a higher cause than just mere loyalty to Trump? To have the backs of the millions of Americans entrusted with defending our nation? Based on his background, I have little faith that we can.
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Hegseth’s public persona as a champion of “traditional values” contrast with his actions. Multiple public affairs and allegations of sexual assault suggest serious character flaws. As our military combats sexual assault as an ongoing problem, what does it say if we elevate this man to oversee this issue? He wears a white supremacist tattoo on his body. An officer or enlisted service member would not be promoted with such a background. How can this man earn their respect? His deeply controversial past—rife with allegations of personal misconduct and extremist political views—should disqualify him outright.
Thousands of women have served in combat, with honor and distinction, and at levels that Hegseth himself has not reached, including one last week who earned a Silver Star and yet, he says women should not serve in combat. Having personally served for 24 years, in combat for three separate tours, I take great offense at his indefensible position. It’s shameful to suggest that women cannot do jobs that we’ve already done. How can Hegseth lead the best, and the most diverse military in the world when he has so little respect for those who do not look like him?
Hegseth demonstrates a glaring absence of honor, character, and respect—all of which are required of our men and women in uniform.
Shockingly, Hegseth’s moral failings may overshadow the simple fact that he is perhaps the most uniquely unqualified nominee to ever be tapped for such a consequential role. His role as a political commentator on FOX News may have drawn the attention of Trump—but it in no way prepared him to serve as the leader of our armed forces.
Despite his service as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, Hegseth is woefully unqualified to manage an institution as complex as the Department of Defense (DoD). Overseeing nearly 3 million people across our country and around the world, Hegseth would be responsible for managing a budget surpassing $800 billion, even though his only experience in management comes from running a 50-employee veteran organization. A group that—by the way—advocated for radical cuts to spending, including pay and benefits for active-duty personnel and veterans.
The position of secretary of defense is among the most demanding in government, requiring not only expertise in military operations and strategic planning but also the ability to (analyze and navigate complex interpersonal and system relationships, from international players to homeland political and civilian participants in a sprawling, often bureaucratic environment. Managing the DoD requires an understanding of the needs of both military personnel and civilian employees, as well as the families who support them—work experience Hegseth didn’t get sitting on the couch at Fox News. Congress confirming him would be a reckless mistake, putting the safety and stability of the U.S. military and its global operations at direct risk.
Not only does Hegseth lack the experience to fulfill this role but confirming him would be a slap in the face to those who are serving and have served with honor. Congress must have the courage to do what is right.
Lt. Colonel Amy McGrath (ret.) is a former fighter pilot and U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, a former Democratic nominee for the U.S. House and Senate in KY. She teaches National Security and Defense Policy at the University of Kentucky. Follow her on X @AmyMcGrathKY.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
