https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/01/hegseth-driscoll-tech-culture-wars-01060795
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll wanted to transform the service into a modern, tech-oriented force. Pete Hegseth made that almost impossible.
The Army secretary, in his final months in the job, found his efforts to champion a leaner force with a lighter footprint challenged by Hegseth and the new acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who focused on gearing the Army toward grooming and fitness standards, according to the people. And that, coupled with the resignation of well-regarded top generals, led Driscoll to head to the White House and deliver his resignation to President Donald Trump.
The White House defended Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon, saying he’s aligned with the president’s anti-diversity, equity and initiatives stance. “After Joe Biden’s Pentagon prioritized DEI and woke ideology, President Trump and Secretary Hegseth quickly reversed course,” said spokesperson Anna Kelly. “The President has complete trust in Secretary Hegseth.”
> Army Secretary Dan Driscoll wanted to transform the service into a modern, tech-oriented force
ReplyDeleteEhud Barak brought that same vision to the IDF. How did that work out on October 7?
Are you saying all attempts are inherently failures?!
DeleteNo, I'm saying that too often these "Smaller, smarter military" plans forget that in an actual war you eventually need boots on the ground. The US already has a technology edge over everyone but as they found out in Iraq and Afghanistan, bombing and air based assaults don't win you the war.
DeleteIsrael found that out on October 7. Their "smaller, smarter military" was overwhelmed for 2 days before it finally got its bearings and then it had to scramble to find enough soldiers to manage an invasion of Gaza while still guarding the northern border from a Hazbollah incursion.