Army’s New Mission: Prepare for Combat
“From this moment on, the sole aim of the newly revived Department of the Army is combat,” Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth declared during a gathering of hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals at Quantico, Virginia, on September 30. He stressed the need to “prepare for war.”
It’s concerning, really. The U.S. military seems to be largely unready for significant conflict, primarily because its pace is painfully slow, caught up in the bureaucratic gears of the Pentagon.
Now, credit where it’s due—Hegseth is trying to address this issue. There are around 840 flag officers currently active, which breaks down to about one officer for every 1,500 service members. Just to give some perspective, after World War II, the ratio was one flag officer for every 6,000 personnel.
Retired U.S. Air Force General Blaine Holt noted that Hegseth didn’t hold back in his address to the flag officers, invoking the legacy of Gen. George C. Marshall, who served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II. Marshall’s decisive action in addressing incompetent leadership resonated with many present; he notably dismissed around 195 generals in his first six months on the job.
Marshall realized that since World War I, promotions had often been handed out based on seniority rather than effectiveness in combat roles. He even tasked a group of retired officers, known as Marshall’s “plucking board,” to remove unworthy candidates from the promotion list.
In a bold move, Marshall took command just when the Third Reich invaded Poland, famously saying, “A critical moment has arrived.”
Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. The Chinese government is rapidly expanding its military capabilities, undertaking the largest military buildup since World War II while attempting to sidestep international sanctions. They’re stockpiling essential resources, calling up reservists, and taking control of civilian production facilities.
Xi Jinping has been swiftly purging military leaders who oppose confrontational tactics, repeating his rallying cry to “fight bravely.” It’s clear that he’s preparing his nation for a long-term engagement.
But it doesn’t stop at preparation. Chinese military forces are already engaging in skirmishes across vast areas, from the coasts of South Korea to those of Australia. They’re also waging proxy wars in Europe, supporting Russia in Ukraine, and making moves in Asia through alliances with countries like Iran. In North Africa, tensions are flaring, influenced by Chinese backing of militant factions in Pakistan against India.
In contrast, the U.S. military appears to be largely in a state of complacency, sometimes referred to as being run by a kind of “General Washington” mindset by President Trump. He spoke recently at Quantico to emphasize a shift in focus toward threats closer to home.
Holt remarked that Trump framed this new focus as one where America’s greatest dangers come not from abroad but from enemies infiltrating through open borders, aided by cartels that threaten national security.
On U.S. soil, there’s a growing number of unauthorized entries and surveillance attempts near military bases. Meanwhile, adversaries are studying American habits, poised to exploit vulnerabilities as they await the command to act.
Shortly, Trump’s National Defense Strategy is slated for release, reorienting U.S. military efforts to address threats emerging from the Western Hemisphere.
Even if a conflict ignites in Asia, it’s plausible it could begin here, aimed at undermining U.S. stability.
We might not have much time to bolster our defenses.
Gordon G. Chang, author, has expressed these concerns acutely, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
