Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drastically reshaped the guidance of the Pentagon by discharging members from key advisory boards, further cementing his disruption of the Department of Defense.
At a Glance
- Hegseth removes all members of critical Pentagon advisory boards to align with new strategic priorities
- The directive follows a comprehensive 45-day review initiated in March
- Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg may retain select members for national security reasons
- Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s 2021 reforms set the stage for these sweeping changes
- The Pentagon remains silent about which board members, if any, will stay
Strategic Realignment at the Pentagon
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the immediate removal of all Pentagon advisory board members not appointed by the president or Congress, launching one of the most aggressive reshuffle in modern Department of Defense history. Following a 45-day strategic review, Hegseth asserted the need for “fresh thinking” to drive new priorities, as reported by UPI.
Sponsors of each advisory board were directed to notify members that “their service has concluded,” while Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg was authorized to retain select individuals critical to national security. Hegseth emphasized the sweeping changes were vital to prepare the U.S. military for rapidly evolving global threats.
Watch coverage of the Pentagon shake-up at Pentagon Orders Sweeping Cuts.
Continuity Amidst Change
This realignment builds on former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s earlier 2021 “zero-based review,” but Hegseth’s actions have been far more drastic. According to Inside Defense, many top advisors, including those tied to prior administrations, were summarily dismissed, with no public list of who remains.
The Pentagon released a statement affirming: “Secretary Hegseth appreciates the members’ efforts on behalf of the department and the United States of America, but changes are needed to support the new strategic direction and policy priorities of the department and to ensure departmental resources are used efficiently.”
Navigating Controversies
As Hegseth moves to reshape the advisory landscape, he faces new controversy. Reports have surfaced that Hegseth allegedly shared sensitive military plans with family members through a personal device, leading to a classified leak via the Signal app. An investigation by the Pentagon inspector general is underway, yet Hegseth has remained silent on the matter publicly, instead keeping the focus on his overhaul efforts.
Despite the growing scrutiny, Hegseth doubled down on the need for change: “To support the new strategic direction and policy priorities of the Department, we require fresh thinking to drive bold changes,” he reiterated, as cited by UPI.
While Hegseth’s bold actions have drawn fierce debate within Washington, they underscore a broader transformation that could redefine the Pentagon’s strategic posture for years to come.
