How Hegseth is seeking to reshape the Pentagon

Leadership, programs and values

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he is fundamentally reshaping the culture of the U.S. military. His effort includes removing senior officers, dismantling diversity initiatives and placing greater emphasis on religious faith.

The removal of senior officers changes the Pentagon’s leadership, while the end of diversity initiatives changes which institutional programs remain in place. The emphasis on faith adds another element to the values Hegseth wants the military to highlight.

Hegseth describes the broader direction as a “warrior ethos.” He uses that phrase to connect changes in personnel, programs and the military’s stated culture. The approach reaches several parts of the institution rather than focusing on a single policy area.

PBS presenter Geoff Bennett discussed Hegseth’s effort with Peter Feaver, focusing on the defense secretary’s push to change the Pentagon’s culture and priorities.

A parallel technology push

Hegseth’s agenda also extends beyond personnel and culture. He is accelerating autonomous weapons and other emerging technologies within the U.S. military.

That creates two distinct tracks in the Pentagon changes. The removal of officers, dismantling of diversity initiatives, emphasis on faith and focus on a warrior ethos concern leadership and institutional culture. The acceleration of autonomous weapons and emerging technologies concerns the military capabilities Hegseth wants developed more quickly.

Both tracks are moving under Hegseth’s leadership as defense secretary. The cultural effort centers on who leads, which initiatives continue and which values receive emphasis, while the technology effort centers on advancing new military systems.