On September 30, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a bold statement at a gathering of U.S. military leaders in Quantico, Virginia. He declared, “From this moment, the sole mission of our revived War Department is clear: Warfighting.” Hegseth emphasized the urgency with his distinct call to arms, urging his audience to “Prepare for war.”
Unfortunately, the reality is that the U.S. military isn’t quite ready for significant conflict, primarily due to its slow-moving processes at the Pentagon.
Kudos to Hegseth, though, who is taking significant strides in reforming a [“bloated War Department”](https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/calling-generals-what-hegseths-top-brass-meeting-should-shouldnt-mean) to meet modern threats. Currently, the ranks include approximately 840 active-duty flag officers, translating to one high-ranking officer for every 1,500 service members. By contrast, during World War II, the figure was about one for every 6,000 troops.
Blaine Holt, a retired general from the U.S. Air Force, remarked on Hegseth’s dynamic leadership, noting how he echoed the principles of General George C. Marshall, who was pivotal during the Second World War. According to Holt, “Hegseth’s analogy comparing his work to Marshall’s approach to underperforming generals profoundly impacted the audience. In just six months, Marshall had terminated around 195 ineffective generals.”
Marshall understood the military’s shortcomings post-World War I, noting that officers were promoted largely on seniority, which compromised operational effectiveness. To rectify this, he established a group of retired officers, d [“Marshall’s plucking board”](https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2024/09/26/a_serious_pentagon_must_hold_a_plucking_board_1060999.html), tasked with identifying and culling unfit personnel.
Marshall summarized the urgency of their historical moment, stating, “Critical times are upon us,” his words resonating just as much today.
Today, the security landscape is equally precarious. China is in the midst of its most extensive military expansion since the Second World War, stockpiling food, mobilizing reservists, and prioritizing war readiness. Xi Jinping is taking aggressive strides by removing military personnel hesitant about engaging in warfare, making clear his operation directives to confront. His mantra? “Dare to fight.”
Xiaomi is not only preparing for battle but also showing assertiveness by provoking tensions from Korea to Australia. With conflicts spreading like wildfire, ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East, it is vital to note that Beijing has been aiding militant campaigns against countries like India as well.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military appears complacent, as reflected in President Trump’s comments about the rank and file—often termed “Washington generals” and “television generals”—at the aforementioned event in Quantico.
There are some voices of concern within military circles regarding possible near-term confrontations. For instance, Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan hinted back in 2023 about the likelihood of conflict this year, echoing sentiments shared by surfaced warnings from other military commanders about rising threats in the Pacific, like a Chinese invasion of Taiwan anticipated within the next few years. Nonetheless, the immediate urgency from figures like Minihan and Davidson seems lost on Pentagon decision-makers.
Oddly enough, military branches, including the Navy and Air Force, have been cutting back on existing assets that would be crucial in actual conflicts, opting instead to invest in platforms that won’t reach operation speeds until long into the following decade. The spanking new aircraft carriers in the fleet could remain unprepared for active duty for about a decade.
During that critical gathering, Trump hinted at a strategic pivot towards focusing on the Western Hemisphere. “Our biggest threats aren’t overseas anymore; they walk amongst us, often crossing through wide-open borders and engaged with criminal networks. These networks serve as alternative arms to our foes,” stated Holt, underlining international risks coming from within.
Moreover, troubling activities have risen domestically—unsanctioned incursions and drone surveillance disturbing U.S. military bases depict where we stand.
As Holt warns, “Our enemies, particularly China, are closely analyzing our procedures and have their eyes peeled for weaknesses. They’re poised and waiting for opportunities..”
It’s widely reconceptualized across many platforms that Trump’s National Defense Strategy will reposition U.S. military approaches towards threats emerging from this hemisphere.
If conflict ensues in Asia, engines might ignite right here on American soil—as part of broader designs to undermine the country.
Let’s face it: America has little time left for a call to action and preparation.
Gordon G. Chang is the author of Plan Red: China’s Project to Destroy America and The Coming Collapse of China.
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