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President Trump has appointed Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense (DoD), signaling a shift from his previous administration. Hegseth, known for having fewer connections to the traditional defense establishment, is expected to focus on two key areas: exposing self-interested generals and admirals, and refocusing the military on its core function of lethality.

Hegseth's appointment poses a challenge to senior military officers who prioritize legacy over mission accomplishment. These officers have promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) programs, which Hegseth aims to remove. To break the cycle of promoting like-minded leaders, he plans to hold general officers accountable for their promotions. This move aligns with President Trump's 'Warrior Boards' initiative intended to identify effective leaders.

Hegseth intends to redirect the DoD towards its primary purpose by eliminating ineffective leaders who prioritize social theories over military effectiveness. This approach aims to foster accountability and innovation within the military ranks.

The reluctance among some Army officers to compete for Battalion Command due to burnout and frequent investigations highlights challenges in leadership roles. In this environment, commanders are hesitant to enforce standards due to potential retaliatory allegations. Secretary Hegseth plans to support commanders as they navigate these challenges.

The lack of support for subordinate commanders can impact national security. An example cited is China's disregard for Secretary of Defense Austin's phone calls. "I think we’ll continue … to stress how important it is, and hopefully Minister Wei will schedule that call," reflects Austin's stance.

Unlike Austin, Hegseth is expected not to share this attitude. During Trump's first term, sanctions and threats of a trade war with China demonstrated support for the DoD through government measures. The Trump transition team is preparing tariff legislation aimed at providing long-term economic power support for military engagements.

Trump's selection of Hegseth aims to free the DoD from outdated change dynamics. Leaders are encouraged to adapt beyond institutional norms focused on self-promotion rather than DoD effectiveness.

S.L. Nelson shares his personal views based on his experience as a military officer; these do not represent official U.S. DoD positions.

This article was initially published by RealClearDefense via RealClearWire.