Last year, former Army officer Pete Hegseth convened senior military leaders, including generals who flew from South Korea, to criticize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and to advocate for a return to a traditional warrior ethos.
During the recent address, Hegseth reiterated his vision of a U.S. military that is “the most capable, the most focused and the most lethal.” He announced the elimination of drag performances and gender pronouns within the service, arguing that such changes undermine basic communication and discipline.
Hegseth also unveiled Project Meridian, a partnership with technology entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey, aimed at developing autonomous drone warfare systems. He claimed that psychological testing would be replaced by a merit‑based assessment of battlefield performance.
Concluding with religious references, Hegseth cited Psalm 33:12 and the Book of Isaiah to justify a militaristic interpretation of Christian doctrine. He urged the generals to embrace a “warrior ethos” that he said would restore national strength and moral clarity.
