Duffel Blog...
Hegseth’s top tips on using the Warrior Ethos to abandon allies and warfighters
Here are Hegseth’s best “easy outs” for serving allies and partners a big cold dish of reality.
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth came out of the gate strong in February. First, he told Ukraine “fat fucking chance” of regaining their Russian-occupied sovereign territory or joining NATO. Then, when offered a chance to continue leading the world in defending against authoritarianism, his alligator arms couldn’t reach the big nuclear deterrent in his back pockets. All in his first month on the job.
To the untrained eye, offering Putin a peace plan that exceeds Russia’s “wildest expectations” might seem the opposite of the secretary’s tough guy “Warrior Ethos.” But carefully reviewing Hegseth’s books, television appearances, Congressional testimony, and paramour payoff reveals his philosophy for ditching allies like first wives, treating war negotiations like a big game of Risk, and repeatedly calling yourself a warrior.
America First, Yo: Hegseth warriors appreciate “Team America: World Police” as an excellent documentary with all they need to know about international relations. In it, American warriors had to defeat North Korea, but Europe was in the way and ended up as a junk heap. It was worth it in the end.
Warriors understand sacrifice. Especially when it means sacrificing other countries for security, like Czechoslovakia in 1938 and 1968 and Hungary in 1956. If our friends can’t sacrifice more now, they’re obviously not warriors and don’t deserve attention.
You know when to lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way. It helps our allies to toss the leadership reigns up in the air to see who catches them. Now other countries have an opportunity to develop their own leadership skills. We’re providing them a service, and they should really thank us.
You’re making tough choices to do one thing at a time. The secretary made clear that America can’t devote attention and resources to deterring Russia because we need to focus on China and the Pacific. Who even remembers that we simultaneously deterred China and Russia during the Cold War?
Warriors only back winners. Branding is more important than principles in today’s media-focused world. A losing ally or partner hurts the American brand and justifies our walking away. Putin has never lost a war, so he’s a winner. Allies and partners like him don’t get the cold, broad, warrior shoulder.
If anyone still complains, remind them that the Department of Defense is firing generals, attorneys, and thousands of qualified and dedicated people because it makes a good sound bite. Foreign nations should not be surprised to be as disposable as our own people.
A note to the allies in the Pacific that the U.S. promised to support: don’t worry, we’ll stick with you through all the tough times.