Additional Coverage:
- Retired Lt. Gen rips into ‘insulting’ Pete Hegseth over DEI claims after all-hands meeting (themirror.com)
Retired General Condemns Secretary of War’s “Wokeness” Claims, Outlines Concerns Over Military Overhaul
A retired U.S. military officer has sharply criticized Secretary of War Pete Hegseth following remarks he allegedly made concerning the role of “wokeness or DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in military promotions and his subsequent outlining of a revamped military strategy.
Retired Lt. Gen.
Mark Hertling expressed strong disapproval shortly after Secretary Hegseth held an all-hands meeting in Virginia on Tuesday. Appearing on MSNBC, Hertling condemned Hegseth’s assertions and plans.
“The thing I’ve got to stick up for is the defense of the American military — the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines,” Hertling stated, acknowledging he hasn’t served with Space Force guardians. “But those four services I’ve had the opportunity to serve with, not only in combat, but on the joint staff and in various assignments through my career.”
He continued, emphasizing the quality of service members: “There are not finer human beings across our force. There is a reason why the other armies of the world say we are the best on the globe.
They are well-trained, well-disciplined, and they swear an oath to the Constitution.” Hertling added, “I just really find it offensive that anyone is insulting them and claiming that it’s their promotions and their advancements through the services are a result of policies or wokeness or DEI, because that’s just not true.”
A New Regimen Proposed
Hertling’s comments came as Secretary Hegseth addressed military leaders at Quantico, Virginia, detailing his vision for changes within the U.S. military. During his remarks, the Secretary of War announced that combat troops would revert to meeting the “highest male standard only.”
Hegseth also revealed plans for a new physical fitness regimen for both troops and generals, expressing his dissatisfaction with “fat” generals. “It’s a bad look,” he reportedly said.
“It is bad, and it’s not who we are. I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape, or in a combat unit with females who can’t meet the same combat arms physical standards as men, or troops who are not fully proficient on their assigned weapons, platform, or task, or under a leader who was the first but not the best.”
He stressed that “Standards must be uniform, gender-neutral, and high.” Throughout his extensive remarks, Hegseth also echoed administration rhetoric, including complaints about “gender delusions” and “stupid rules of engagement.” He declared, “No more climate change worship, no more division, distraction, or gender delusions.”
Trump’s Appearance and Meeting Criticisms
The meeting, which summoned 800 generals to Virginia, left many questioning its necessity and content. Retired Lt.
Gen. Hertling also noted his surprise when President Donald Trump reportedly spoke at the gathering.
Hertling described himself as having his “mouth open” during Trump’s address.
According to the former military leader, he “just couldn’t believe some of the things” the president was saying, though he did not provide specific examples. Hertling drew parallels between Trump’s address and a recent speech at the UN, characterizing it as “somewhat shocking and it’s filled with mistruths.” He suggested the comments would not be well-received by the audience of military personnel with firsthand experience in global alliances and warfare.
Indeed, many attendees reportedly criticized the meeting, with some suggesting it “could have been an email.” The gathering occurred just hours before a possible government shutdown, leading some officials to speculate it was a distraction intended to shift the military’s focus from foreign threats to a more domestic role. Additionally, the decision to assemble nearly all of America’s top officers in one location raised concerns about security risks.
Other officials reportedly dismissed Hegseth’s efforts to boost morale and project a more aggressive military image by ending diversity programs. A former senior defense official called it “a waste of time for a lot of people who emphatically had better things they could and should be doing.”