The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free

Hegseth posits a “covenantal” relationship between the American people, the US Constitution, and the military, drawing a parallel between America’s founding principles and the Old Testament story of Gideon, a reluctant leader called by God to restore his people’s faith and confront internal and external threats. This biblical allusion serves as a metaphor for Hegseth’s central argument: The US is at risk of losing its moral clarity and national purpose due to ideological division and mission creep within the military.

Hegseth claims that, like Gideon’s Israel, modern America faces an internal crisis, with growing ideological divisions and the erosion of shared national values. He argues that the US Constitution was established as a “secular covenant” to unite Americans under a common moral and legal framework, using a religious term to emphasize what he sees as a binding and belief-based connection. However, he contends that progressive ideologies, particularly those tied to social justice, have fractured this covenant. He sees this as part of a broader cold civil war in which ideological movements push tribalism and moral relativism, eroding national unity and purpose. This critique aligns with The Role of Moral and Spiritual Foundations in Military Service, as Hegseth links America’s spiritual decline to the weakening of the warrior ethos.

A significant part of Hegseth’s argument focuses on what he calls the military’s ideological “mission creep.” Normally, mission creep is a term used to describe the expansion of wartime objectives; Hegseth uses it to highlight how ideological conformity is now prioritized over military readiness. He critiques military leadership for transforming soldiers from “warriors and servants of the Constitution” (220) into participants in bureaucratic social change. This shift, he claims, represents the decline of combat preparedness, as soldiers are distracted from their primary mission to fight and win wars.

Supporters of progressive military reforms might counter Hegseth’s claims by emphasizing the potential benefits of social change initiatives. For instance, programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and diversity can strengthen unit cohesion and operational effectiveness by ensuring all members feel valued and supported. Studies have suggested that diverse teams are often better at problem-solving and adapting to complex challenges—skills critical for modern military operations. By framing these efforts as a way to build a stronger and more adaptable fighting force, proponents argue that progressive reforms can align with, rather than detract from, military readiness.

The chapter concludes with a call to action, warning that just as Gideon faltered later in life, America risks a similar path of moral decay. Hegseth urges leaders and citizens to renew their commitment to constitutional principles, framing Donald Trump’s second presidential administration as pivotal in restoring the nation’s moral and military strength. This reflects the erosion of military leadership standards, as Hegseth highlights the need for principled leadership to counter ideological drift and reestablish military effectiveness.

Hegseth sees an ideological transformation in US military academies like West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy. He argues that these once-prestigious institutions, historically focused on military leadership and readiness, have become breeding grounds for progressive ideology. This shift, he claims, has been driven by the influx of civilian professors, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and curriculum changes that emphasize social justice over combat effectiveness.

Hegseth traces the ideological shift to the growing influence of civilian academics, who have brought left-leaning philosophies into the academies. This change, he argues, was accelerated under the Biden administration, which dismissed Trump-appointed Board of Visitors (BOV) members and installed officials aligned with progressive policies. He criticizes the establishment of DEI coursework and a Diversity & Inclusion Studies minor at West Point as evidence of ideological “mission creep” within military training.

General Charles Q. Brown, a former Air Force Chief of Staff and current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becomes a focal point of Hegseth’s critique. He accuses Brown of promoting racial quotas for officer commissions and prioritizing “holistic readiness” over combat readiness, citing the low mission capability rates of aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 as evidence of leadership failure. Hegseth claims these policies prioritize symbolic diversity over operational success.

The experiences of “Evan Smith,” a pseudonymous Air Force cadet, provide anecdotal support for Hegseth’s claims. Smith describes DEI training as divisive and damaging to morale, alleging that the academy amplifies pro-DEI voices while silencing dissent. Hegseth argues that this is emblematic of the larger issue of military leadership failures, as cadets and officers who support ideological agendas are rewarded, while dissenters are marginalized.

Hegseth concludes by calling for a restoration of meritocratic principles within the academies. He argues that only a change in presidential leadership can reverse the damage and refocus military academies on their original mission: to prepare warriors who can defend the Constitution. This appeal aligns with the book’s theme of The Role of Moral and Spiritual Foundations in Military Service, as Hegseth positions this struggle as part of a larger moral battle for the soul of the US military.