Military Force Overhaul

Defense Secretary Hegseth Unveils Six Major Initiatives in State of the Force Address

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced six major initiatives in his State of the Force address, including a new four-star command dedicated to autonomous warfare, a new national officer-development program, and a plan to strengthen military bases and supply chains against attack. Hegsetsh also announced plans for a new major military installation, a New Office of Religious Affairs and Project Meridian, a 120-day effort to identify technologies that could give the US an advantage in future conflicts. The changes come as the US continues to engage in a seven-month war with Iran, where the war has highlighted vulnerabilities of American bases and the growing role of drones and autonomous systems. The most significant operational change is the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command, which Hegsetth said will become a four-stars functional combatant command by October 2027. The announcement also includes plans to cut 20 percent of general and admiral billets, doubling the reduction target announced last year.