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I am a retired Army Infantry colonel, a West Point graduate, Airborne-Ranger qualified, with two combat tours in Iraq. While on active duty, I never took part in presidential elections.
Knowing many one- to four-star generals, I was appalled by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s mandatory in-person meeting last week. Not only was it very expensive to arrange, but it insulted the most loyal, gifted officers the country ever developed.
To have a man of questionable morals, with only platoon leader level experience, lecture heroes who have led battalions, brigades and divisions in tough combat over multiple tours, was extremely degrading. Taking these officers away from important, ongoing operations, just to hear that haircuts and physical fitness matter simply showed Hegseth’s unsuitability for the position.
While his recent misuse of classified information over nonsecure means showed Hegseth’s lack of experience and intelligence, so does the fact that he advertised a meeting of all the military’s senior leaders, the secretary of defense and the president, in one location at one time. Every base worldwide is connected to the military’s secured, video conferencing system, which we frequently used in Iraq to meet with Pentagon officials. Why wasn’t that system used in this situation?
Finally, his insults to females and minorities is reason enough for his dismissal. My female cousin graduated from West Point last year and commissioned Infantry. She is currently in Ranger School. She is extremely smart, athletic, calm under pressure and will excel in any leadership position. She may not be able to drag a 200-pound weight as fast as some men, but when she is an Infantry division commander someday, she will lead with great distinction.
Charles Mitchell
Belfast
