On the 107th anniversary of the first Veterans Day, our nation is facing one of the most challenging national security environments in modern history. The day gives us an opportunity to reflect on how the 2.1 million Americans in uniform view their ongoing service to the nation.
Because the U.S. military reported a massive turnaround from pandemic-era lows and broadly met or exceeded its recruiting and retention goals for active-duty, National Guard and most reserve forces for fiscal 2026, the Trump administration argues that there’s a high level of satisfaction across the force. However, some of that success has been attributed to a cooling civilian job market; significant junior military pay increases, including historic 10% enlisted pay raises in recent years; expanded pre-enlistment academic and fitness preparation courses; and restructured recruiting commands. A recent poll, however, suggests many military personnel feel abandoned by politicians and society and have decided to leave the service as soon as possible.
Major overseas deployments and a high operational tempo (OPTEMPO) due to the war in Iran have increased the strain on service members and their families, with significant implications for future recruiting and retention.
Major overseas deployments and a high operational tempo (OPTEMPO) due to the war in Iran have increased the strain on service members and their families, with significant implications for future recruiting and retention. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyer USS Spruance were each deployed for more than 300 days. Spruance set a post-World War II record with 342 days underway. A brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division has spent eight months in the region, and its soldiers were recently told their deployment will extend into next year.
Active-duty personnel are also aware of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s efforts to reform the military and instill what he describes as a “warrior ethos.” They realize his politicized vision includes a hard-line stance on eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and some even agree with that vision. But Hegseth seems bent on eroding the notion of the “citizen soldier” and replacing it with a distinct class that is male, white and Christian.
This will be disastrous for recruitment and retention in the future, especially for women and minorities. Why would a young woman join — or remain in — the military after Hegseth has fired senior female officers without cause, removed qualified women from promotion lists and argued women should not serve in combat roles? How should a young Black American react to a Pentagon that, at least briefly, removed a webpage devoted to the military service of Jackie Robinson and is reportedly considering removing Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller’s name from a ship under construction?
Many active-duty members, particularly senior NCOs and officers, have expressed deep embarrassment and frustration with Hegseth’s leadership, which may cause them to separate or retire early. In September 2025, the secretary, accompanied by President Donald Trump, summoned top military commanders from around the globe to Quantico, Virginia, to deliver a highly political lecture mocking “fat generals,” facial hair and “dudes in dresses.” Multiple senior defense officials and officers in attendance described the expensive meeting as “embarrassing,” but Hegseth delivered a similar rant to 600 junior officers a few months ago. In October 2025, he delivered a “hype man” speech for Trump aboard the USS George Washington that was met by an embarrassing dead silence by the crew.
The nature of warfare is changing rapidly and failure to innovate will be paid in blood in future conflicts. But Hegseth has ended efforts to learn from the war in Ukraine by shutting down an Army unit focused on transforming the military to meet these emerging challenges. But war is a harsh teacher and one of its lessons is that the failure to innovate is paid for in blood in the next conflict.
Hegseth seems far more concerned with personal appearance and troops’ testosterone levels than innovation.
Veterans and those in uniform are right to be concerned by the defense secretary’s apparent belief that war should be conducted without constraints.
Veterans and those in uniform are right to be concerned by the defense secretary’s apparent belief that war should be conducted without constraints and is solely transactional. This is why he argues respect for international law or efforts to avoid civilian casualties are examples of weakness. But this is not the ethos of the American military. In fact, it’s in direct conflict with a Marine Corps maxim that better describes the American warrior ethos: “There is no better friend or worse enemy than an American Marine.” Compassion toward innocent civilians and allies must exist with ferocity in combat.
There’s a quote that’s been attributed to President Ronald Reagan that says, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran doesn’t have that problem.” But that sentiment is true only to the extent that they serve with honor, respect and integrity. With a defense secretary scoffing at the rules of war, it’s harder than it should be for some of our service members to hold on to those values, but they owe it to the nation they serve to maintain them, and they owe it those who served in the past.
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