“From this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: warfighting.” – Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth

I saw that speech coming as far back as 1987. And for the record – this isn’t about politics.

When I joined the Army in ’86, Reagan was Commander in Chief. Since then, I’ve served under Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., and Obama. I’ve watched the Army evolve in some ways and stagnate in others.

My first taste of the Guard wasn’t pretty. I joined the New York Army National Guard, a hundred miles from Fort Drum, and found a unit full of rag-bag soldiers – overweight, undisciplined, and way outside Army standards. I needed challenge and direction, and this wasn’t it.

I hated it so much I went AWOL.

My commander could’ve crushed me. Instead,

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