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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth established an ambitious set of goals when he took the oath to lead the department in January 2025, getting to work and aggressively tackling key priorities based on President Donald J. Trump's "peace through strength" agenda.

Here's a look at major changes that the department, under President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Hegseth's leadership, has unleashed in less than a year.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth established an ambitious set of goals when he took the oath to lead the department in January 2025, getting to work and aggressively tackling key priorities based on President Donald J. Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda. Play
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SECWAR Year in Review - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth established an ambitious set of goals when he took the oath to lead the department in January 2025, getting to work and aggressively tackling key priorities based on President Donald J. Trump’s “peace through strength” agenda.

Restore The Warrior Ethos

Rebuild the Military

Reestablish Deterrence

Families and Communities

Restore the Warrior Ethos

Secretary Hegseth established high, uncompromising and clear standards to revive the legendary American warrior ethos, strengthening the military under President Donald J. Trump, its new commander in chief, through unity around the shared purpose of defending the country.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

"Everything starts and ends with warriors in training and on the battlefield. We are leaving wokeness and weakness behind. And refocusing on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards and readiness."

- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Army War College, April 23, 2025

Recruitment and Reenlistment

A group of men and women dressed in civilian attire marches in formation, with a man wearing a camouflage military uniform and sunglasses marching alongside the formation.

Under the leadership of Commander in Chief President Donald J. Trump, the military enjoyed strong retention rates, and recruitment across the services surged in 2025, including the number of women enlistees. Secretary Hegseth initiated a 12-month effort to identify and eliminate unnecessary barriers to enlistment without lowering standards.

A group of men and women, all dressed in civilian attire, march in formation as a man in civilian attire leads the group, carrying a flag attached to a pole. A man wearing a camouflage military uniform marches to the right of the formation.

Story:

National Guard Exceeds 2025 Recruiting Goals

Civilians in black shirts and blue jeans raise their right hand as troops in formation stand at attention while a soldier raising his right hand stands in front of the formation.

Story:

Enlisted Recruiting Numbers Up Over Last 6 Months, Official Says

A military officer in a utility uniform stands with his right hand on the shoulder of a young person in a T-shirt. Other service members in similar uniforms are visible in the background.

Story:

Recruitment Task Force Seeks to Capitalize on 2025 Enlistment Surge

Two men shake hands in front of wall covered in medals.

Story:

Veteran Medal of Honor Recipient Rejoins Marine Corps After 15 Years

Memo:

Establishment of the Military Service Recruitment Task Force

COVID-19 Reinstatement

A soldier holds up his right hand, places his left on a book held by a civilian, and speaks while facing another civilian with hand raised.

Early in the year, the department started taking significant steps to welcome back service members impacted by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to align with President Donald J. Trump's executive order on the subject. Secretary Hegseth issued directives to remove adverse actions and ensure remedies for service members who suffered career setbacks as a result of their refusal to take the vaccine.

An image of the Pentagon with a blue overlay and the words COVID-19 Reinstatement.

Spotlight:

COVID-19 Reinstatement

An aerial view of the Pentagon.

Story:

DOD Welcomes Back Service Members Impacted by COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

The defense secretary signs a document in an office.

Story:

Secretary Orders Additional Remedies, More Clarity on COVID-19 Reinstatements

Release:

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell Statement on COVID-19 Return to Service

Words Matter: Changing Names

A person in business attire uses a screwdriver to secure a plaque to a concrete wall.

In September, President Donald J. Trump signed an order changing the Defense Department's name to the Department of War, a rebranding Secretary Hegseth noted was "not just about renaming, it's about restoring; words matter." At the secretary's direction, several military installations also restored their previous names, including Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

An aerial shot of a five-sided building.

Story:

Department of War Name Set in Bronze at Pentagon Entrances

A plaque on a wall reads Department of War.

Story:

Trump Renames DOD to Department of War
A large outdoors sign reads, Headquarters XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

Story:

Fort Liberty Becomes Fort Bragg, Renamed for Battle of Bulge Hero

A man sits at a desk inside an office signing a document with his right hand.

Story:

Hegseth Restores Fort Moore to Fort Benning in Honor of WWI Soldier

President Trump is sitting at a desk in the Oval Office with standing flags behind.

Video:

President Announces New War Department

Rebuild the Military

To ensure our military is the strongest and most lethal force in the world, Secretary Hegseth championed the revival of our defense industrial base, acquisition process reforms and rapid delivery of emerging technologies into warriors' hands.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

"Our objective is to ... rebuild the arsenal of freedom. American industry and its innovative spirit are begging to be unleashed to solve our most complex and dangerous warfighting problems."

- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Remarks on the Arsenal of Freedom, Nov. 7, 2025

One Big, Beautiful Bill

President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shake hands in front of a seated troop audience and U.S. flag.

President Donald J. Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill" made historic investments in upgrading ships, planes, icebreakers and developing the Golden Dome to achieve the administration's "peace through strength" agenda and protect the homeland against 21st-century threats.

Soldiers, shown from behind in silhouette, look over arid, hilly terrain against a sunny, blue sky.

Story:

Just in Time for Christmas, Nation Gifts Service Members $1,776 'Warrior Dividend'
A large red and white military ship is docked at a port.

Story:

Coast Guard Heavy Icebreaker Departs Seattle for Antarctic Deployment
A Department of Defense sign outside of the Pentagon.

Story:

Senior Officials Outline President's Proposed FY26 Defense Budget
Two men sit in front of microphones at a table during a hearing.

Story:

Hegseth Says Shipbuilding, Golden Dome, Nuclear Deterrence Make Up DOD Budget Request for Billions in Funding

Drone Dominance

Nine drones fly as a group, with a blue sky and wispy clouds in the background.

On June 6, President Donald J. Trump signed the "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" executive order outlining how the United States would advance its drone game. Secretary Hegseth moved quickly to strip away regulations that hindered the military’s adoption of small drones, kick-started U.S. industrial capacity to quickly deliver low-cost attack drones and overhauled training to incorporate cutting-edge tools.

An autonomous unmanned vehicle treks down a dirt path in a grassy field with blue sky and clouds.

Spotlight:

Drone Dominance

A Marine retrieves a drone from a blue sky with concrete structures and mountains in the background.

Story:

War Department Asks Industry to Make More Than 300K Drones, Quickly, Cheaply

A soldier in a camouflage military uniform stands outdoors near a truck. A device that looks like a missile attached to a pole is mounted in the back of the truck.

Story:

Dozens of Federal Agencies Initiate Counter-UAS Collaboration

Publication:

Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance

Defense Industrial Base

A welder in black protective gear uses a tool on a metal part, creating flames and billowing smoke.

Hard power includes demonstrating military readiness and equipping forces with the right weapons and tools — provided by a strong, functioning defense industrial base with adequate capacity. Secretary Hegseth spearheaded reforms to more robustly invest in the U.S. industrial base.

A man in a business suit stands at a lectern on a stage, speaking into a microphone. A close-up video projection of the man is being broadcast on a large screen next to him. People with their backs to the camera are sitting in the audience watching the man.

Story:

Hegseth Outlines New National Defense Strategy During Speech at Reagan Library

Three people sit at a table with microphones during a hearing.

Story:

Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Discuss Defense Budget at House Oversight Hearing

A person seated in a suit speaks to an audience.

Story:

Officials Aim to Field Critical Technologies Rapidly, at Quantity

Release:

AUKUS Defense Ministers' Meeting Joint Statement

Release:

Office of Strategic Capital Announces First Loan Through Department Agreement With MP Materials to Secure Critical Materials Supply Chain

Acquisition

The secretary of war speaks to an audience.

Secretary Hegseth directed sweeping reforms for how the department develops requirements, manages programs and engages industry to accelerate delivery of new capabilities to America’s warfighters.

Four men in suits and one in a formal military uniform are seated at a long wooden desk, and others are seated behind them.

Story:

Department Seeks to Deliver Innovative Capability at Speed, Scale

A submarine is shown next to a boat in a harbor.

Story:

Agency Fuels Maritime Superiority With $5 Billion Contract

Speech:

Remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the Arsenal of Freedom

Release:

Secretary of War Announces Acquisition Reform

Publication:

Acquisition Transformation Strategy

A side view of the secretary of war speaking at a podium with others watching in the blurred background.

Video:

Secretary of War Speaks at National War College

Modernization

A missile launches out of the ocean and leaves behind spray, smoke and fire during the day.

Secretary Hegseth prioritized modernizing military capabilities to ensure the nation's warfighters are equipped with the best technology available and that the nuclear triad — the centerpiece of U.S. deterrence — remains credible and capable of delivering a decisive response, anywhere, anytime.

The triad, along with assigned forces, provide 24/7 deterrence to prevent catastrophic actions from our adversaries and they stand ready, if necessary, to deliver a decisive response, anywhere, anytime.

Interactive Experience:

America's Nuclear Triad
A combat vehicle is outdoors in a desert environment in the evening.

Story:

War Department Narrows Technology Development Focus to Half Dozen Areas
A man seated in a dress uniform speaks into a microphone and gestures.

Story:

War Department Continues Nuclear Modernization
A large military vehicle is driven onto a flatbed trailer. A soldier in the driver's seat has the door open and is looking out.

Story:

Army's Tropic Lightning Division Enhances Lethality in Pacific With HIMARS, Retrains Howitzer Troops
A missile leaves behind a trail of smoke and flames as it launches into the sky.

Story:

Navy Proves Sea-Based Hypersonic Launch Approach
A man sits while one stands behind a desk in an office.

Story:

Trump, Hegseth Announce Air Force's Next Generation Fighter Platform

Golden Dome

The president stands and holds a folder while speaking in an office with a

In response to President Donald J. Trump's call for a next-generation missile defense shield, known as the "Golden Dome," the department has developed a draft architecture and implementation plan for systems that will protect the U.S. homeland from a wide range of global missile threats.

A man in a military uniform and a woman in business attire sit at a table speaking to a panel.

Story:

Defense Leaders Discuss Threats, Golden Dome During Budget Talks
A view of the U.S. Capitol.

Story:

Senior Defense Officials Field Questions on Next-Gen Missile Defense Shield
A man wearing a camouflage uniform speaks during a virtual event.

Story:

Space Force Delivers Warfighting Effects, Protects Homeland
An aerial view of the Pentagon and surrounding area, with an orange sky as backdrop.

Story:

DOD's Acquisition Community Already Working on Golden Dome, Big Team Effort Required

Release:

Secretary Hegseth Statement on Golden Dome for America

Efficiency

President Donald J. Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth looks on, Dec. 2 2025.

President Donald J. Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency to bring accountability and transparency to federal spending. Secretary Hegseth welcomed DOGE's assistance in identifying ways to align spending with the priorities to fast-track acquisitions and cut waste.

An aerial view of the Pentagon.

Story:

Hegseth Announces Additional $5.1 Billion in DOD Spending Cuts
An aerial view of the Pentagon.

Story:

Initial DOGE Findings Reveal $80 Million in Wasteful Spending at DOD

Release:

Pentagon Culls Social Science Research, Prioritizes Fiscal Responsibility and Technologies for Future Battlefield
The secretary of war sits at a desk while speaking to a camera in an office.

Video:

Hegseth Signs Memorandum Directing $5.1 Billion in Cuts of Wasteful Spending Identified by DOGE
The secretary of war sits at a desk while speaking to a camera in an office.

Video:

A Message From Defense Secretary Hegseth to the American Warfighter and the American Taxpayer

Reestablish Deterrence

To support President Donald J. Trump's goals of putting America first and attaining full control of the border, Secretary Hegseth prioritized defending the country "on the ground and in the sky," and working with allies and partners to address international security threats.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

"The motto of my first platoon, first one I led, was: 'Those who long for peace, must prepare for war.' And that's exactly what we're doing. We are preparing for war in order to deter war — to achieve peace through strength."

- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, May 31, 2025

Border Security

Dozens of Marines hold up concertina wire against a large metal fence in a desert-like area during the day.

Accelerating efforts to fulfill President Donald J. Trump's directive to bolster military support in securing the southern border, Secretary Hegseth deployed thousands of troops and unique military capabilities to support the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect the territorial integrity of the United States.

Marines set up concertina wire, a line of parked trucks and blue sky is visible in the background.

Spotlight:

DOW Support to the Southern Border
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shakes hands with a Marine standing with other Marines in a room.

Story:

Trump Awards Soldiers, Marines Border Defense Medal
Two men wearing camouflage uniforms lean over a table and write on documents.

Story:

Through SkillBridge, DOD Provides Boost to Southern Border Mission
A man stands in front of more than a dozen uniformed individuals.

Story:

Secretary Visits Newly Created National Defense Area
Two people wearing camouflage uniforms stand alongside a large military vehicle with a mountain range in the background.

Story:

Hegseth Gives Order to Enhance Military Mission at Southern Border
Two men, one in business attire and one in military camouflage, stand behind a pair of lecterns speaking to people seated and facing them.

Story:

DOD Deploys Destroyer to Join Border Security Mission
Service members carrying weapons walk through a field.

Video:

Joint Task Force-Southern Border: Defending the Homeland

Supporting Safety in U.S. Cities

Two soldiers stand next to a military vehicle with a monument in the background on a sunny day.

Beyond the southern border, Secretary Hegseth and the War Department have supported efforts to assist law enforcement partners and keep Americans safe coast to coast — from the nation’s capital to Los Angeles.

A man in business attire sits at a table and speaks into a microphone.

Story:

Guard Keeping Streets Safe, Protecting Federal Property, Say DOW Leaders
A person points from a podium as reporters raise their hands.

Story:

Guardsmen Keeping America's Cities Safer, Says Pentagon Press Secretary
Two people in civilian clothing and plastic aprons smile while serving food to a person in a military camouflage uniform holding a plate of food.

Story:

During D.C. Guard Visit, Secretary Acknowledges Tragedy, Conveys Gratitude
A guardsman stands on brick pavement and watches people wearing law enforcement clothing and gear walk past, with a tall black gate, courtyard and mural painted on a building in the background.

Story:

Guard Provides Security Presence, Aids D.C. Residents, Beautification Cleanup
A marshal helps National Guardsmen sign paperwork at a table in a gymnasium as two large fans blow in the background.

Story:

National Guard Task Force Mobilizes to Restore Safety in Nation's Capital
Marines in combat gear casually walk on a grassy field on an overcast day.

Story:

Marines to Guard Federal Property, Personnel in L.A. as Guard Troops Transition to Protecting Law Enforcement

Operation Southern Spear

Two Marines stand on a rainy flight line near a parked aircraft.

When President Donald J. Trump ordered action to combat narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere, Secretary Hegseth and the War Department delivered with Operation Southern Spear, announced in November. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command, the mission removes intelligence-confirmed narco-terrorists in the region to protect America and its people.

An overhead view of a group of four Navy warships steaming across the ocean in the daytime. A handful of military aircraft fly above them.

Story:

Pentagon Provides Update on Operation Southern Spear, Reaffirms Socom Called for Second Strike on Drug Boat
A black and white panel of three photos showing a small boat at sea before, during and after being blown up by fire from above.

Story:

Hegseth Says Designating Venezuelan Cartel as Terrorist Org Will Bring 'New Options' to Administration

Release:

Statement From Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell on U.S. Force Posture Changes in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility

The Indo-Pacific Region

A Marine, a soldier and an airman sit in a tropical setting, while two use binoculars.

Secretary Hegseth has identified deterring China in the Indo-Pacific as a priority, and he has strengthened relationships and capabilities in the region to reflect its strategic significance.

A tiltrotor aircraft with green and red lights on its rotors lands on the deck of a ship, as service members stand nearby under a dark sky.

Spotlight:

Focus on Indo-Pacific
A man in a suit stands at a lectern on a stage in front of an audience in a lecture hall.

Story:

Hegseth Outlines U.S. Vision for Indo-Pacific, Addresses China Threat

Release:

Secretary of War Hegseth Reaffirms Strength of U.S.–Japan Alliance and Commitment to Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific

Speech:

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore (As Delivered)

Global Partnerships

Five aircraft fly in front of three columns of ships traveling in blue water.

In the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, Secretary Hegseth made it clear to allies and partners that the United States stands with them, while also emphasizing the importance of burden sharing among allies in Europe.

A Marine in combat gear and lying in a grassy area looks through the scope of a rifle during daytime.

Spotlight:

NATO
Three men in business attire stand behind three podiums, while the man in the middle speaks into a microphone. The flags of the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are displayed behind them.

Story:

Hegseth Hosts AUKUS Meeting With Australia, U.K. Counterparts
Two men dressed in business suits shake hands in front of a building. There is a sailor wearing a military dress uniform holding a car door to the left and several other service members in dress uniforms standing behind the two men.

Story:

Hegseth Hosts Canadian Counterpart at Pentagon for Bilateral Discussion
An airman salutes while walking with Saudi Arabian armed forces service members on a red carpet outdoors, as other Saudi Arabian troops stand at attention holding rifles upright.

Story:

U.S., Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Through State Partnership Program
A group of people in suits sit around a wooden table with American and Israeli flags in the background.

Story:

Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chairman Host Israeli Defense Minister
A side view of the defense secretary speaking from podium.

Story:

Hegseth Says U.S. Partnering With Panama to Secure Canal, Deter China

Operation Midnight Hammer

A B-2 bomber aircraft lifts off from a dark runway, trailing two fire-like contrails with lights in the background.

Under Secretary Hegseth's leadership, Operation Midnight Hammer executed a historically successful precision strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to significantly damage the sites and reset the timeline for a nuclear-capable Iran.

A view through night vision of a flat, triangular-looking military aircraft sitting in a hangar.

Story:

Defense Agency Contributed Toward Operation Midnight Hammer Success
A man wearing business attire stands next to another wearing a formal military uniform in front of a group of people. Both stand at podiums, looking at a poster displayed on an easel with pictures on it. There is a sign between them that reads, “The Pentagon.”

Story:

'Historically Successful' Strike on Iranian Nuclear Site Was 15 Years in the Making

Transcript:

Senior Defense Officials Discuss the Iran Nuclear Facilities Bombing

Transcript:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine Hold News Conference

Families and Communities

Recognizing that rebuilding the military and restoring the warrior ethos begins at home, Secretary Hegseth prioritized strengthening military families and communities and improving their quality of life. This spurred him to revolutionize permanent change of station moves, review homeschooling support and target housing issues.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

"We honor the essential role of military families in defending our nation's freedoms. Your patience during long separations, your resilience in the face of uncertainty and your unwavering belief in your loved ones' mission are the silent forces that sustain our military."

- Plaque gifted by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, at the Pentagon Christmas tree lighting, Dec. 3, 2025

Quality of Life Task Forces

A person in casual attire pushes a hand truck with a package up a ramp that leads into a moving truck. There is a house in the background.

To address essential quality of life issues for service members and their families, Secretary Hegseth established two task forces. With the establishment of the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force, he initiated an overhaul of the military moving process to prioritize trust, timeliness and accountability, and streamline processes. In October, he directed that a Barracks Task Force be stood up to develop a departmentwide investment plan for barracks improvements.

A man and woman unload a suitcase from a car as a child holding a baby watches.

Spotlight:

Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force
Five troops in camouflage uniforms and white hard hats smile as they hold shovels of dirt.

Story:

Hegseth Directs Task Force to Oversee Departmentwide Barracks Improvement

Publication:

Implementation Memorandum for Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force

Connecting With Families

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth fist-bumps with a child standing in a group of service members and civilians in a large room.

During his frequent travels, Secretary Hegseth took time to connect with military families at home and abroad. He listened to their hopes and concerns and worked to address them.

A person in a long winter coat is standing on a stage behind a podium at twilight, smiling and clapping. A child stands nearby, looking at a 14-foot-tall, lighted Christmas tree

Story:

Hegseth, Wife, Dedicate Inaugural Pentagon Christmas Tree to Families of Service Members
An aerial view of the Pentagon.

Story:

Hegseth Speaks at Inaugural Gold Star Advisory Council Meeting
Two young girls hold out books in front of them.

Story:

Department Launches Child Care Expansion Initiative, Provides More Options to Military Families
Dozens of students stand in front of adults in a warehouse.

Story:

Hegseth Orders Review of Homeschool Support Efforts
A woman in business attire stands behind a lectern. Seated in front of her is a room full of adults and children.

Story:

Pentagon Opens Doors to the New Generation for 'Bring Your Child to Work Day'

Support and Engagement

Secretary Pete Hegseth and three service members in uniform yell into microphones in front of a red, white and blue display outdoors.

Although the men and women who choose military service to our nation represent less than 1% of the population, Secretary Hegseth made sure they remained at the forefront of American' minds everywhere by loudly and proudly celebrating their achievements and honoring their sacrifices.

A man in civilian attire pins a medal on a woman in a camouflage military uniform inside an aircraft hangar. The Secretary of War flag is next to the woman, and the nose of a fighter aircraft is in the background.

Story:

Hegseth Presents Purple Heart to Soldier, Emphasizes Honoring Heroes
Secretary Pete Hegseth and three service members in uniform yell into microphones in front of a red, white and blue display outdoors.

Story:

Memorial Day Weekend's Coca-Cola 600 Race Honored Fallen Heroes
A man wearing a shirt and tie speaks into a microphone while sitting at a table in front of the Pentagon seal and flag.

Story:

Hegseth Speaks to Troops, NFL Players About Service and Warrior Ethos