OPINION:
As a retired combat-disabled U.S. Navy captain with 30 years of service and combat experience in Vietnam, I read Ben Wolfgang’s Tuesday front-page article with interest (“Top officers lose trust in Hegseth”).
The headline misleads by omitting the word “some” — only some attendees reportedly disagreed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s performance at last month’s all-hands meeting in Quantico. The article also fails to identify its sources, and I suspect none of the senior enlisted command master sergeants or master chiefs was among those interviewed.
No admiral or general enjoys being directed by a major, and many will gripe about “lack of professionalism” with phrases like “below our institution.” Yet the article acknowledges Mr. Hegseth’s successes while criticizing him for asserting leadership — asking senior officers to prioritize warfighting over social diversity, to maintain physical fitness and military bearing and to ensure rigorous combat training. Isn’t that precisely what these leaders are paid to do?
Most of the flag and general officers present were promoted during the Biden administration. Anyone who believes these selections are free of political influence is naive. These officers were hearing new marching orders — ones that challenge the status quo they helped shape. Resistance is natural, but those who choose to leave won’t weaken the War Department. On the contrary, their departure opens space for fresh energy and ideas. The same applies to senior civilians.
Finally, few in today’s leadership recall defense secretaries like Robert McNamara or Donald Rumsfeld — men with extensive credentials and military backgrounds who nonetheless presided over disastrous wars. Experience and pedigree don’t guarantee success. What matters is clarity of mission and accountability.
Secretary Hegseth’s message is simple: Focus on readiness, discipline and combat effectiveness. That’s not controversial; it’s foundational. If some leaders find that uncomfortable, perhaps it’s time for a change.
CAPT. WILLIAM H. PEERENBOOM (U.S. Navy, retired)
Vienna, Virginia
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