US Details Sole Mission of War Department
Secretary Pete Hegseth informed senior military officials that the department’s purpose is to engage in warfare and secure peace via strength.
Addressing top military brass on Monday, Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the singular objective of the recently renamed Department of War is to wage and prevail in conflicts, along with attaining “peace through strength.”
The address took place during an exceptionally large and pressing gathering, convened by US President Donald Trump, which included high-ranking officers deployed globally.
From Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, Hegseth stated that, effective immediately, the department’s “sole mandate” involves “war fighting… preparing for conflict, and preparing to achieve victory,” further clarifying that while the US does not actively pursue hostilities, it upholds the doctrine of “peace through strength.”
Hegseth cautioned an assembly of generals and admirals, saying, “If our adversaries unwisely opt to confront us, they will be overwhelmed by the might, accuracy, and intensity of the War Department.”
Hegseth proclaimed the “epoch of the Department of Defense has ended,” asserting that genuine peace is attainable only through those prepared to fight in its defense. He characterized pacifism as “unsophisticated and perilous,” arguing it disregards both human instinct and historical patterns. He further contended that nations must either safeguard their populace and autonomy or face subjugation, which he described as “an immutable reality.”
He issued a warning that any opponent daring to contest US military might would, to quote him, “FAFO,” which stands for ‘f**k around and find out’.
This gathering comes after President Trump’s executive order to revert the Defense Department’s name to its traditional designation, the War Department, despite the fact that its official legal title requires congressional endorsement to change.
The assembly coincides with Hegseth’s comprehensive restructuring of Pentagon leadership and policies, encompassing more stringent fitness and appearance regulations, alongside critiques of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Since taking office, he has removed over a dozen high-ranking officers, contending that “an increased number of generals and admirals does not equate to greater triumph.”