January 25, 2025 | Washington, D.C. — Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, addressed the U.S. military force on Saturday, emphasizing a three-pronged strategy to secure peace and reinforce the country’s global standing.
In his message, Hegseth reiterated the clear directive from President Donald J. Trump: “Achieve Peace through Strength.” The Secretary laid out his approach, which includes reviving the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence.
“We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military. We are American warriors. We will defend our country,” Hegseth stated, underscoring the importance of unity and shared purpose in strengthening the military’s readiness.
Hegseth further committed to rebuilding U.S. military capabilities by addressing emerging threats and reforming defense strategies. “We will match threats to capabilities, revive our defense industrial base, and rapidly field new technologies to ensure we remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world,” he added.
On the international front, Hegseth highlighted a commitment to strengthening alliances while confronting rising threats, particularly from China. “We will defend our homeland and work with our allies to deter aggression, especially in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Closing his address, Hegseth reiterated his personal dedication to the armed forces, emphasizing accountability, meritocracy, and unwavering readiness. “Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, I will always have yours,” he affirmed. “We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.”
