American Military News is proud to issue its first-ever endorsement for Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.

After 9 years, 250 million readers, and perfect media watchdog scores, we’ve decided to issue our first-ever endorsement due to the precarious and potentially terminal decline in which the Department of Defense now finds itself.

At a moment when the stakes for America’s security have never been higher, our Department of Defense must undergo transformative reform. The entire military community, active-duty troops, veterans, and families all know this. It’s the subject of heated agreement throughout the world’s military and geopolitical communities. From the newly enlisted U.S. service members immediately griping about daily inefficiencies and lack-of-common-sense bureaucracy to the senior generals, admirals, and civilian leaders, there is zero doubt that dramatic action must take place now, or our leadership in the world will erode as our military’s reputation becomes known as inefficient, unfocused and unremarkable.

Our current military leaders are more concerned about personal advancement – their next job in defense contracting, consulting, or finance – than speaking truth to power about the sad realities of what our military has become.

The Pentagon needs a leader with the courage, vision, and experience to restructure, refocus, and modernize the Pentagon so that it is laser-focused on the singular mission that matters most: winning wars and being efficient with taxpayer dollars.

Our incoming Commander-in-Chief, President Donald Trump, demands our military structurally adapt and evolve to prepare for the future.

Pete Hegseth is that leader to carry out President Trump’s vision.

The challenges before us demand dramatic action. For too long, the Department of Defense has drifted from its core mission. It is drowning in unnecessary bureaucracy that has continually rendered our capabilities stretched and exposed with declining morale.

In an age of rising great-power competition, with adversaries like China, Russia, and rogue states threatening global stability, America must project an undeniable strength that deters aggression and reassures allies.

Hegseth understands that to lead is to prepare for victory — not bureaucracy.

His vision for a reformed and reinvigorated military puts warfighting excellence, operational modernization, and strategic clarity back at the heart of America’s defense posture.

As a decorated Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth has walked the frontlines of modern conflict. He knows what it takes to prepare, equip, and inspire a fighting force capable of defending the homeland and securing peace through strength. He has consistently championed initiatives to eliminate inefficiency within the Pentagon, redirect resources to the warfighter, and modernize America’s military for the challenges of the 21st century, from advanced cyber warfare to high-stakes geopolitical competition.

Hegseth also understands that modernization is not just about technology — it is about aligning the Department of Defense with the values, energy, and capabilities of modern America. His leadership will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and effectiveness, ensuring that every dollar spent and every decision made serves the mission of securing victory and projecting American strength.

This is a pivotal moment for America’s defense. The stakes demand bold, decisive leadership. Pete Hegseth’s record of valor, his vision for reform, and his unwavering dedication to the men and women who serve make him uniquely qualified to lead the Department of Defense into a new era of greatness.

American Military News firmly believes Pete Hegseth is the right leader for this moment. We call on all Americans to join us in supporting his nomination for the next Secretary of Defense. The future of our military — and the security of our nation — depends on it.