The U.S. Army's recent surge in recruitment, achieving its most successful December in 15 years with nearly 350 new soldiers enlisted daily, is a testament to the renewed confidence in military leadership following President Trump's election victory. This remarkable turnaround comes after a prolonged recruitment crisis, where the military missed its 2023 goals by 41,000 enlistees.
A pivotal factor in this resurgence is the restoration of trust in senior military leaders. Research from the American Principles Project indicates that a lack of confidence in leadership has been a primary deterrent for potential recruits. With President Trump at the helm and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Americans now believe that military force will be exercised judiciously and righteously. Hegseth himself noted that America's youth are inspired to serve under the bold and strong "America First" leadership of President Trump.
During the Biden administration, whistleblowers revealed that the Army was only bringing in dozens (yes, dozens, compared to the current pace of hundreds each day) of recruits each month. When scrutinized, military officials would claim they lacked granular data to confirm specific numbers. Now that the recruitment crisis has turned around, the Army is suddenly more forthcoming with monthly recruiting figures. This discrepancy underscores the need for political accountability in overseeing Pentagon bureaucracy. The military must not be allowed to obscure failures while highlighting successes. Instead, it must be held accountable to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
With Pete Hegseth as our Secretary of Defense, the United States finally has the right leadership to return the Department of Defense to its core mission. He will help us navigate the evolving threats of the 21st century while restoring the warrior culture and focus on mission success that has made our military the most powerful in the world. Hegseth’s combination of combat experience, leadership, and strategic vision make him uniquely suited to drive the Pentagon’s much-needed transformation.
Unlike career bureaucrats, Hegseth is a warfighter who has seen the cost of flawed foreign policy firsthand. As an infantry lieutenant, he led soldiers in battle and understood the realities of combat far better than many in Washington. He also grasps the strategic errors of the "forever wars" that have drained resources and put American lives at risk without a clear path to victory. Under his leadership, the U.S. military will refocus its energy on defending American interests, ensuring that military deployments are driven by a clear, defined national interest.
This strategic shift means no more open-ended conflicts with no clear end. Hegseth will prioritize an approach that uses American military power to safeguard our homeland and maintain our global dominance. He will ensure that U.S. forces are only deployed when a direct and critical objective is tied to national security. Hegseth’s vision is rooted in common sense: defend America first and use military power only to avoid unnecessary entanglements abroad.
One key area Hegseth will immediately impact is securing the southern border. The rise of criminal cartels operating in Mexico has become a threat to our way of life. Hegseth has made it clear that the military should be used to combat these organizations, ensuring that the Pentagon takes an active role in protecting our borders. Under his leadership, we will see a more aggressive approach, including the deployment of military assets, the use of drones, and even direct actions to dismantle cartels. This focus on securing the homeland will lay the foundation for future military operations abroad.
As the U.S. faces an increasingly assertive China, Hegseth’s leadership will be critical in ensuring that the Pentagon remains at the cutting edge of military innovation. China’s rapid military modernization presents the most serious long-term challenge to American global influence, and Hegseth will make sure the U.S. military stays ahead. This means investing in technologies like artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and cyber capabilities to ensure that American forces have the technological edge necessary for future conflicts. Hegseth will also push for the rapid development of next-generation weapons systems, ensuring that the U.S. is prepared for any conflict that might arise.
But revitalizing the military isn’t just about technology; it’s about restoring the culture of toughness and discipline that has been eroded in recent years. The Pentagon’s recent focus on politically driven agendas like diversity, equity, and inclusion has weakened morale, undermined unit cohesion, and diverted attention from the primary mission of defending the nation. Under Hegseth, the military will return to its roots—focusing on merit, discipline, and a commitment to strength. His leadership will eliminate unnecessary distractions and reinforce the warrior culture that has always been the backbone of our armed forces.
Hegseth will also ensure that the physical fitness standards for military personnel are raised to reflect the demands of modern warfare. By demanding more from recruits, the military will attract those ready to rise to the challenge and retain soldiers who take pride in their physical and mental toughness. This will not only make our military stronger, but it will also help ensure that soldiers are better prepared for the brutal realities of combat.
Finally, Hegseth recognizes the need for a commonsense approach to service members’ rights, especially regarding vaccination policies. The previous administration’s mandates for COVID-19 vaccinations led to the loss of talented personnel and discouraged potential recruits. Hegseth will put in place a balanced policy that respects individual freedoms while ensuring the health and readiness of the force.
Pete Hegseth is the Secretary of Defense we need at this critical moment. He will reshape the Pentagon, restore focus on real threats, and build a military that is both technologically superior and resilient. Hegseth’s leadership will usher in a new era of readiness—one that balances innovation, toughness, and a renewed commitment to defending the nation. Under his leadership, the U.S. military will be ready to confront any challenge, at home or abroad, with unmatched effectiveness and unwavering strength.
Will Thibeau is an Army Ranger veteran and director of the American Military Project at the Center for the American Way of Life.