HEGSETH RECAPS 100 DAYS OF DOD ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN SPEECH TO FUTURE MILITARY LEADERS

 

Carlisle, Pennsylvania | April 23, 2025

In a speech that blended forceful clarity with strategic vision, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed senior military officers and civilian leaders today at the U.S. Army War College. The remarks, commemorating his first 100 days in office, outlined sweeping reforms, revitalized priorities, and an unapologetic return to American strength.

“Fighting for you has been the privilege of a lifetime — a deployment of a lifetime,” Hegseth began.

🔱 Warrior Ethos Reborn

Hegseth reaffirmed three defining objectives:
Restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence.

He detailed efforts to reintegrate service members involuntarily separated during the COVID-19 era, reshape the DOD’s civilian workforce, and welcome a surge in patriotic enlistments.

“The enthusiasm of young Americans, in particular, is off the charts,” he said.

The warrior ethos is being actively restored by focusing on lethality, accountability, and uncompromising standards.

“To be lethal, you have to trust that the warrior alongside you is capable — truly, physically capable — of doing what is necessary under fire.”

⚙️ Military Modernization & Operational Readiness

Hegseth stressed that modernization must go hand-in-hand with leadership. He spotlighted two keystone projects:

• The Golden Dome missile defense system, promising unmatched homeland security

• The F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, a leap in air superiority capability

In tandem, the Department is conducting a full review of all 72 major defense acquisition programs, strengthening the defense industrial base, and rooting out inefficiencies through a new partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency.

“We are prioritizing what works and cutting what doesn’t.”

“When your adversaries know your military is filled with warriors... and has the most advanced weapons systems known to man, they’re far less likely to challenge you.”

🛡️ Global Deterrence – From Europe to the Indo-Pacific

Hegseth made it clear: the U.S. is shifting from a posture of sole burden to shared resolve.

“The time of the United States … being the sole guarantor of European security has passed. It’s long overdue.”

U.S. leadership of Ukraine’s defense coordination has been formally transitioned to the United Kingdom and Germany, while European nations step up their defense commitments.

In the Middle East, Hegseth noted strong U.S. support for Israel and lethal operations against Houthi terrorists, reaffirming America’s hard-line stance against destabilizing actors.

Turning to the Indo-Pacific, he emphasized revitalized alliances across the region.

“At every step, we are carrying out our strategy of increasing deterrence against the Communist Chinese.”

And above all, he reminded adversaries around the world of the new reality under Trump’s administration:

“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the message to our adversaries has been undeniably clear: America is back.”

🎖️ A New Golden Age of Defense

Hegseth closed with a rallying call to the rising leaders in attendance — the soon-to-be graduates of the Army War College.

“America and its national defense have begun a new golden age.”

“You will set the standard,” he told the audience.
“We’re counting on you, and I know that you will deliver at each and every step with distinction.”

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From battlefield capability to global deterrence, Secretary Hegseth’s first 100 days have set a new standard for strength, readiness, and strategic clarity. America’s military isn’t just back — it’s leading a new era.