5 highlights from Pete Hegseth's speech to military leaders: Done with 'woke garbage'

3. Those who oppose changes can resign; Hegseth vows to make personnel changes

Hegseth repeatedly encouraged military leaders opposed to the changes the Trump administration is making to resign. Building upon his defense of standards for physical fitness and appearance, the secretary declared, “If you do not meet the male-level physical standards for combat positions, cannot pass a PT test or don’t want to shave and look professional, it’s time for a new position or a new profession.” 

“I have fired a number of senior officers since taking over: the previous chairman, other members of the Joint Chiefs, combatant commanders and other commanders,” he said. “The rationale for me has been straightforward. It’s nearly impossible to change a culture with the same people who helped create or even benefited from that culture, even if that culture was created by a previous president and previous secretary.”

Hegseth suggested that more personnel changes were on the way as he contrasted recent military leaders with those revered for winning wars throughout American history: “Out with the Chiarellis, the McKenzies and the Milleys and in with the Stockdales, the Schwarzkopfs and the Pattons. More leadership changes will be made. Of that, I’m certain.”

Hegseth also had a stern message for those opposed to his philosophy: “If the words I’m speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign. We would thank you for your service.”