Hegseth plans to limit service members' ability to file complaints against commanders - WP
Photo: Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has prepared directives that will change how American service members can file complaints against their commanders, according to The Washington Post.
In particular, Hegseth announced plans to review the military channels that allow US service members to file complaints, report toxic leadership, or raise concerns about discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
The reforms come as the Pentagon chief seeks to soften rules governing senior officers’ conduct toward enlisted personnel without jeopardizing their careers, including a reassessment of what qualifies as harassment.
According to Hegseth, these steps will "empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or second-guessing."
"The [inspector general] has been weaponized, putting complainers, ideologues, and poor performers in the driver’s seat," Hegseth told a group of generals and admirals Tuesday at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, referring to the independent watchdog offices in the Pentagon.
He added that anonymous complaints would no longer be accepted.
"No more frivolous complaints. No more anonymous complaints, no more repeat complaints, no more smearing reputations, no more endless waiting, no more legal limbo, no more sidetracking careers. No more walking on eggshells," the defense secretary said.
The institutions slated for restructuring include the Defense Department’s Equal Opportunity Office and the Inspector General’s military services division.
The new directives signed by Hegseth are detailed in two policy memorandums and form part of a broader campaign to eliminate positions and programs he believes distract the military from its core combat mission.
US urged to prepare for war
In September, President Donald Trump signed an order renaming the Department of Defense to the "Department of War," restoring the title it held from 1789 to 1947.
In recent days, Hegseth also convened an emergency meeting of hundreds of US generals, which, according to Bloomberg, was likely intended to discuss national defense strategy.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that during a meeting with generals in Virginia, Hegseth said the United States must be ready for war "to protect peace."
