On April 23, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a speech at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, announcing the reinstatement of unvaccinated service members and the end of DEI initiatives in the military. Hegseth’s address emphasized a return to a “warrior ethos,” but his tenure has been fraught with controversy, raising questions about the impact of these policy shifts on military readiness and cohesion.
Reinstating Unvaccinated Service Members
Hegseth revealed that over 8,700 service members were involuntarily separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine under the Biden administration. “We are welcoming actively back those warriors,” he stated, noting that the Pentagon’s personnel department is streamlining the process to reintegrate them. This policy reversal aligns with earlier promises Hegseth made on his first day as Defense Secretary in January 2025, as reported in posts on X.
Critics argue that reinstating unvaccinated troops could undermine military readiness, especially given past concerns about vaccine mandates ensuring operational health. However, Hegseth framed the move as a correction of past injustices, calling the separated soldiers “heroic” for their stance against an “experimental” vaccine.
Ending DEI and Refocusing on Lethality
Hegseth declared an end to “woke” policies in the military, stating, “We are leaving wokeness and weakness behind and refocusing on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness.” This echoes his earlier actions, such as banning DEI programs and transgender troops, as noted in X posts from January and April 2025. He also restored the names of Forts Bragg and Benning, reversing Congress’s decision to remove Confederate names.
The shift has sparked debate. Supporters, including some military veterans, praise the focus on meritocracy, arguing that DEI initiatives distracted from core defense priorities. Critics, however, warn that dismantling DEI could lead to discrimination and alienate diverse talent, potentially weakening recruitment—a challenge Hegseth claimed to have addressed, noting increased numbers due to prioritizing “warfighting over wokeness.”
Hegseth’s Vision: Restoring the Warrior Ethos
Hegseth shared President Trump’s directive to “restore the warrior ethos of our military,” a mission he has pursued since his first 100 days in office. This vision includes rebuilding the military and re-establishing deterrence, though his tenure has been overshadowed by controversies, including allegations of mishandling sensitive information via Signal chats, as reported by NPR and The New York Times.
His leadership has faced scrutiny, with former Pentagon officials like Evelyn Farkas calling it “incredibly upsetting” due to breaches of protocol. Some lawmakers have even called for his resignation, though Trump continues to back him, as reported by CNN.
Implications for the Military
Hegseth’s policies signal a significant shift in military culture, aligning with Trump’s “America First” agenda. However, the reinstatement of unvaccinated troops and the removal of DEI programs may deepen divisions within the ranks. The Pentagon’s ability to navigate these changes while maintaining operational effectiveness remains uncertain, especially amidst Hegseth’s chaotic leadership, as noted in recent reports.
For now, Hegseth’s speech at the Army War College underscores his commitment to a traditional military ethos, but the long-term impact on national defense is a subject of ongoing debate.
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