Trump Defense pick Hegseth performance evals praise a ‘battle-proven leader’

President-elect Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has been described as an “incredibly talented, battle-proven leader,” according to military evaluations obtained by Fox News Digital. As he prepares to face a Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Hegseth’s past performance evaluations paint a picture of a dedicated and skilled military leader.

Hegseth’s military service includes deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During his time in the military, he received outstanding performance reviews for his leadership skills and ability to handle challenging and demanding situations. One officer evaluation report covering April 2005 to January 2006 praised Hegseth for his effectiveness as a platoon leader during combat operations in Iraq.

His platoon conducted a range of operations, from air assault raids to the defense of a forward operating base. Hegseth’s leadership ensured that his troops were physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenges they faced in combat zones. His platoon cleared areas suspected of insurgent activity, conducted high-value target raids, and transitioned to continuous offensive operations during their deployment.

In addition to his time in Iraq, Hegseth also served as an assistant civil-military operations officer in Afghanistan, where he developed relationships with local leaders and helped gather intelligence that led to the capture or elimination of Al Qaeda and insurgent leaders. Evaluators described him as an outstanding officer who demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and dedication to mission accomplishment.

Hegseth received two Bronze Star Medals and two Army Commendation Medals for his service, as well as praise for his work in building out lesson courses and re-wiring the guidebook for the Counterinsurgency Training Center-Afghanistan. Despite facing criticism over his qualifications and alleged misconduct, Hegseth’s military evaluations highlight his strong track record as a capable and respected leader.

As he prepares to face tough questions during his confirmation hearing, Hegseth has garnered support from several Republican lawmakers who believe in his ability to lead the Department of Defense. While the road to confirmation may be challenging, Hegseth’s military evaluations provide a compelling case for his qualifications and readiness to take on the role of defense secretary.