Pete Hegseth Renames Defense Department to Department of War

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a fundamental shift in the military's focus toward warfighting during an all-hands meeting in Virginia. As part of this transition, Hegseth renamed the Department of Defense to the Department of War, asserting that the only mission of the newly restored agency is war fighting.

Hegseth implemented strict new physical and behavioral mandates for all service members, including high-ranking generals. All troops must now pass a physical training test twice per year and meet the same male physical fitness standards, with Hegseth stating that those who fail to get in shape must leave the service.

The Secretary also ordered a return to traditional masculine standards, requiring personnel to be clean-shaven and identify with the biological gender assigned at birth. These directives coincide with Hegseth's opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies within the military.