-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
America’s secretary of Defense is its first line of defense. Pete Hegseth, however, lacks the expertise necessary for this role. While he touts his Army National Guard experience, his limited military background leaves him unprepared to face skilled global counterparts.
Russian Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov, a former economic strategist, has aligned military budgets with national priorities and spearheaded drone production. China’s National Defense Minister, Admiral Dong Jun, is a seasoned military leader who has mastered integrating various armed forces into a cohesive unit.
This “jointness” is crucial for modern warfare—an area where Hegseth has no expertise. The ability to unify military branches, manage logistics, and coordinate large-scale operations is essential. Hegseth’s lack of experience in joint operations weakens America’s defense posture.
Strategic readiness requires long-term planning. Decisions on force structure, troop numbers, weapon development, and military training must consider future threats. Developing new weapons takes years, with arsenals remaining active for decades. Former Secretary of Defense Harold Brown, a physicist and defense researcher, understood these complexities.
Under President Carter, he led the development of stealth aircraft and precision weapons while navigating arms control negotiations. His expertise ensured America retained strategic advantages over the Soviet Union. In contrast, Hegseth lacks the scientific or strategic background necessary to negotiate future treaties or oversee next-generation weaponry.
China and Russia continue advancing military technology. Belousov and Dong have experience in intelligence, surveillance, and weapon development.
China’s military researchers, led by Dong, are pioneering new electronic warfare systems, including high-powered microwave weapons that can disable enemy electronics. Hegseth will need in-depth scientific briefings to engage in meaningful arms negotiations with China.
The secretary of Defense directly advises the president, shaping military strategy and alliances. Former Defense Secretary Brown spoke with President Carter multiple times a week. Hegseth will face pressing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea while navigating Trump’s foreign policy.
Given Trump’s skepticism of NATO, Hegseth must manage the alliance’s role in U.S. strategy. NATO remains crucial for Western security, economic strength, and military readiness. In the Pacific, Japan and South Korea counterbalance China’s ambitions regarding Taiwan. Hegseth’s ability to navigate these alliances will be tested.
Domestically, he must handle Pentagon rivalries. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines compete for funding, weapons development, and advanced training.
The secretary of Defense must justify budget allocations to both military commanders and Congress, where lawmakers advocate for funding that benefits their states. This political battle requires negotiation skills, fiscal knowledge, and strategic foresight.
Hegseth’s early statements signal trouble. He has vowed to “fire” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff over perceived political disagreements. Yet the Joint Chiefs play a vital role in advising the Pentagon, resolving budget disputes, and securing congressional support.
Hegseth’s confrontational approach may alienate military leaders and lawmakers alike, making it harder to implement strategic plans. Budget decisions often anger members of Congress, especially when base closures or troop reductions impact their districts. Even Republicans who supported Hegseth’s confirmation may turn against him over unpopular cuts.
Beyond internal struggles, the secretary of Defense must focus on long-term strategic planning. Managing 2.25 million military personnel and millions of civilian employees requires deep expertise. Defense leaders balance short-term troop needs with long-term security objectives.
They must anticipate future conflicts, technological developments, and global power shifts.
Hegseth’s background as a television commentator does not prepare him for these challenges. On air, he repeated news stories; in the Pentagon, he must shape military policy, advise the president, counter misinformation, and oversee America’s global defense strategy. The job demands experience, diplomacy, and wisdom.
Instead, Republicans have confirmed an inexperienced, ideological figure whose lack of strategic insight could weaken America’s national security.
