Hegseth to look into ‘what went wrong’ in Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed events in Afghanistan during a town hall meeting at the Department of Defense and Pentagon workforce. He emphasized the importance of reestablishing American strength and deterrence in the wake of recent global challenges.

Hegseth outlined three key pillars that he will focus on during his tenure as Defense Secretary. These pillars include reviving the warrior ethos, restoring trust in the military, and rebuilding it by matching threats to capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of reestablishing deterrence by defending the homeland.

During his address, Hegseth referenced the broken windows theory in policing, highlighting the significance of addressing small issues to prevent larger problems in the military. He stressed the need for accountability at all levels to maintain standards and ensure a strong military.

Looking back at the events in Afghanistan, Hegseth stated that the Department of Defense will hold individuals accountable not for retribution but to understand what went wrong and why there was a lack of accountability. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Hegseth also spoke about the importance of unity in the military, stating that shared purpose is the true strength of the armed forces. He critiqued the notion that diversity is the military’s strength, emphasizing that unity and shared purpose are more important regardless of background, gender, or race.

In terms of equality within the department, Hegseth emphasized that everyone will be treated fairly and with respect. Service members and civilian employees will be judged based on their merit, commitment to the team, and the mission, ensuring a level playing field for all individuals.

Overall, Hegseth’s address highlighted the importance of reestablishing American strength, accountability, and unity within the military to address current challenges and prevent future issues. His focus on reviving the warrior ethos and rebuilding trust in the military will be key priorities during his tenure as Defense Secretary.