US military shifts focus to war as Pentagon rebrands itself
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The US military is undergoing a strategic overhaul, citing rising global threats and aligned adversaries, as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rebrands the Pentagon as the "Department of War."
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Quantico, Va. (Andrew Harnik/Pool via AP)
The United States must prepare for war as global risks increase and adversaries grow more unified, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.
Speaking at a high-level gathering of senior commanders at the Pentagon, Caine emphasized that the US military can no longer operate under the assumption of fragmented threats.
“Global risk is on the rise. Our adversaries are no longer aligning. They are aligned, and we must align with equal resolve and unity,” said Caine. “Even as we strive for and seek peace, we must be prepared for war.”
The comments come amid rising concern over US-China tensions and increasing demands for a restructured national defense posture.
Read more: Pentagon spends $10.8bln on 25 classified weapons to counter China
Pentagon declares end of 'defense era' under Pete Hegseth
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth used the same forum to announce a sweeping rebranding of the Pentagon’s mission and culture. Declaring an end to the “Defense Department” as traditionally understood, Hegseth told commanders that the institution’s new and sole focus would be on war-fighting.
“Welcome to the War Department, because the era of the Department of Defense is over,” Hegseth stated. “The motto of my first platoon was ‘Those who long for peace must prepare for war.’
From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: war-fighting, preparing for war, and preparing to win.”
Department of War refocuses mission on combat readiness
The reorientation toward a war-first posture marks a dramatic shift in tone and strategic priorities. Hegseth criticized what he described as a culture of political correctness within the military in recent years, signaling a return to strict performance standards.
“The era of politically correct, overly sensitive ‘don’t hurt anyone’s feelings’ leadership ends right now,” he said. “At every level, either you can meet the standard, either you can do the job, either you are disciplined, fit, and trained, or you are out.”
Hegseth emphasized that the United States owes its people a military capable of prevailing in any conflict, whether initiated by Washington or imposed by others.
“We owe our republic a military that will win any war we choose or any war that is thrust upon us,” he said. “Should our enemies choose foolishly to challenge us, they will be crushed by the violence, precision, and ferocity of the War Department.”
US-China tensions to be addressed in upcoming statement
Hegseth signaled that a future speech would address the Pentagon’s approach to deterring China and responding to broader geopolitical threats.
“The nature of the threats we face in our hemisphere and in deterring China is another speech for another day, coming soon,” he said.
Read more: Pentagon’s AI fleet, set to counter China, faces setbacks: WSJ
Hegseth rejects 'woke' and politically correct leadership
In a series of remarks critical of the recent trajectory of military leadership, Hegseth reiterated his disapproval of what he described as a “woke” agenda.
“We lost our way. We became the woke department, but not anymore,” he said. He warned that pacifism is “naive and dangerous,” adding that only those willing to fight for peace are entitled to it.
“The only people who actually deserve peace are those who are willing to wage war to defend it. That is why pacifism is so naive and dangerous,” Hegseth asserted. “Either you protect your people and your sovereignty, or you will be subservient to something or someone.”
