Veterans Voice Concerns After Hegseth Address to Military Leaders
WASHINGTON – Reactions are pouring in from veterans following a recent address by pete Hegseth, reportedly delivered to a room full of U.S. military generals and admirals, sparking criticism over its tone and substance. The address, delivered while Hegseth is under consideration for a potential role within the department of Defense, has raised concerns about leadership, military standards, and the potential for politicization of the armed forces.
Several veterans expressed dismay over Hegseth’s comments regarding a hypothetical illness potentially disrupting the chain of command, with former Defense Department official Mick Mulroy stating it was “not just bad optics or strategy,” but suggested a concerning level of paranoia. Retired Army Colonel David Haskell similarly noted the potential for disruption, stating, “A bad cold could have threatened our entire chain of command.”
The address also drew fire for what critics described as an “egotistical” display and a waste of resources. Retired Navy Captain Janine McCarty Pittard acknowledged the Defense Secretary’s authority to convene such meetings, but characterized the event in this very way.
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of Hegseth’s address, according to multiple veterans, was his subsequent reference to an “enemy within” after discussing President Biden. “That is a dangerous slippery slope to be referring to that to the leaders of the U.S. military. Very dangerous,” warned Haskell.
Hegseth also discussed physical fitness standards for women in combat roles, stating they would need to meet the same requirements as men, adding, ”If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is indeed what it is.” This sparked a mixed response.
sally Roberts, an Afghanistan war veteran and founder of wrestle like A Girl, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “I’m a fairness advocate and the avenue of approach that I’m able to see is that they’re creating a pathway of fairness.” Roberts shared her own experience of being barred from selective units despite her abilities, hoping the new approach could “level the playing field.”
However,Amy McGrath,a retired Navy fighter pilot and former Senate candidate,sharply criticized Hegseth’s comments as “disparaging,” asserting on Instagram,”there has never been a separate male and female standard… You can either do the job or you can’t.Period.”
Further concern was raised by Tamara Stevens, a former Navy cryptological technician, who found Hegseth’s discussion of “lethality” notably troubling considering later comments suggesting the potential use of American cities as military training grounds. Stevens accused Hegseth of implying the U.S. military was comparable to Hamas,and questioned his qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense,stating he was “barely qualified to be a host on Fox News.” She concluded,”Has he no honor,to say that we don’t belong in polite society?”
