Pete Hegseth Launches Joint Warfighter Evaluation for General Promotions

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the implementation of the Joint Warfighter Evaluation (JWE), a new battlefield-style assessment for Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps colonels and Navy captains seeking promotion to one-star general or flag officer. The JWE uses AI-powered simulations, remote written tests, and in-person wargames at institutions like the Naval War College to measure operational planning and decision-making under simulated combat conditions.

Hegseth stated the initiative aims to ensure a meritocracy and reduce bureaucracy, arguing that commanders should be chosen by "proven competence, not paper credentials." The program represents a shift toward a warrior ethos and away from diversity, equity, and inclusion standards. This effort is part of a broader military overhaul that includes reducing four-star positions by 20% and general officer positions by 10%.

The first cycle of evaluations will run from February through June 2027, preceding promotion boards scheduled for July through September. While the JWE supplements existing performance reports and career records, the Pentagon has not yet determined how heavily these results will influence final promotion decisions. Senior Pentagon adviser Stuart Scheller noted that while performance reports remain the bedrock of promotions, the current system often rewards those who are best at navigating their careers rather than those most capable on the battlefield.