UMVA has learned that War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a powerful commencement address at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York, on Saturday, where he strongly criticized woke identity politics and offered valuable advice to the newly commissioned Army Lieutenants.
Hegseth, a seasoned military veteran, drew from his own experiences as a Second Lieutenant in 2003, completing three active-duty deployments in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and receiving two Bronze Star medals. He shared a crucial lesson from his first air assault mission, targeting Al-Qaeda in Baghdad, that has stayed with him throughout his career.
The War Secretary emphasized the importance of preparation, telling the graduating class of 2026, "Plan and rehearse for contingencies every time. There's no substitute for preparation ever. Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Plan for recovery, resupply, alternate communications, rehearse, and refine." His words were laced with the gravity of experience, echoing the high stakes of military life.
Hegseth also stressed the importance of camaraderie and loyalty, saying, "Take care of your soldiers, take care of their families and each other. If you never leave a fallen comrade, you've done your job." He pointed to a recent rescue mission in Iran, where two airmen were safely retrieved, as a testament to the military's unwavering commitment to its own.
In a clear rebuke of the US military's abolished woke policies and current trends on college campuses, Hegseth declared, "The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can't throw your pronouns at the enemy." His statement was met with understanding and appreciation from the graduates, who will soon face the harsh realities of combat.
The War Secretary urged the new Lieutenants to stay focused on their mission, warning that competitors and adversaries are watching and testing the military. He emphasized the need for innovation, drones, AI, and air defenses, and encouraged the graduates to lead and drive this change.
In a lighter moment, Hegseth even channeled a near-perfect Trump impersonation, granting a "Complete and Total Pardon" to the West Point grads for any minor infractions, leaving them all laughing out loud. The moment was a welcome respite from the gravity of the occasion, and a testament to Hegseth's ability to connect with his audience.
