US military to get new task force
To improve fighting strength
In a sweeping move to refocus the US military on a merit-based system, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the establishment of a new task force designed to strengthen America’s fighting force.
The newly formed ‘Restoring America’s Fighting Force’ Task Force will ensure that the US Department of Defence (DOD) adheres strictly to merit-based, colour-blind policies, aiming to boost the US military’s readiness and lethality.
In a memorandum sent to senior leaders across the armed services today, Hegseth stressed the importance of ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are selected for leadership positions. He noted that prioritising merit is an ethical imperative and a necessity for national security.
“The Department of Defence has an obligation to the American public to ensure their sons and daughters serve under the best leadership we can provide them,” said Hegseth. “This is a national security imperative. A foundational tenet of the DOD must always be that the most qualified individuals are placed in positions of responsibility by merit-based, colour-blind policies.”
The task force will operate under the oversight of the US Undersecretary of Defence for personnel and readiness. It will work to dismantle any DOD structures or policies that prioritise non-merit-based factors such as race, sex, or ethnicity over key considerations like readiness, accountability, and performance.
Hegseth’s memorandum outlined changes that will be made, including the cessation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices across the military and the elimination of policies linked to ideologies like Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender fluidity. These changes are expected to recalibrate the military to focus purely on enhancing operational readiness, combat readiness, and overall capability.
“From now on, the Department of Defence will ensure that all decisions related to hiring, promotion, and personnel assignments are based on merit, the department’s needs, and lastly, the individual’s desires,” Hegseth stated.
The task force is expected to deliver an initial report by March 1, 2025, and a final report outlining the initiative’s progress by June 1.
Among the core directives in the memorandum, Hegseth highlighted that the military would no longer consider an individual’s sex, race, or ethnicity in determining promotion, special duty assignments, or leadership selection. The DOD will also cease using demographic factors to shape organisational composition, career fields, or academic admissions.
Regarding training, Hegseth clarified that military academies and training programmes will no longer teach concepts related to CRT, DEI, or gender ideology. Additionally, advisory boards, councils, and working groups focused on these issues will be disbanded as part of the effort to streamline military operations and remove distractions from the primary mission of national defence.
This directive follows a similar executive order from US President Donald J. Trump issued on January 29, titled ‘Restoring America’s Fighting Force.’ The executive order prohibits any form of preferential treatment or disadvantage based on sex, race, or ethnicity within the armed forces, aligning closely with the task force’s mission.
“The DOD mission is to win the nation’s wars,” Hegseth affirmed. “To do this, we must have a lethal fighting force that rewards individual initiative, excellence, and hard work based on merit.”
As the task force takes shape, all eyes will be on its progress. Many anticipate the changes will significantly impact how the US military operates and prepares for future challenges.
Image: The task force will operate under the oversight of the US Undersecretary of Defence for personnel and readiness. Credit: US DOD
Last Updated on 15 hours by Arnold Pinto
