Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a powerful and direct message to the Joint Force responsible for carrying out the attack on Iran that decimated its leadership and military capabilities after a successful first strike ordered by President Donald Trump, named Operation Epic Fury.
Speaking at a press conference alongside General Dan Caine to address the mission, Hegseth addressed both the personal cost of the orders he would recommend to the president and the realities of armed conflict, specifically what it meant for soldiers whose lives would be on the line during the fighting. He said prayer would guide him to make the right decisions.
“Having been in their boots, having been in their shoes, having been in their flight suits, I think we, I mean, I know we think about them with every decision that we make and every recommendation that we make to the President of the United States,” the War Secretary said of the sacrifice every soldier makes.
“Those recommendations are made prayerfully. And when I pray every day for them and for this mission, I pray simply for the biblical wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it. It’s going to take courage to follow through on this. There’s going to be a lot of noise, and we pray for that, and we hope all of you do as well,” he added.
At a separate part of the lengthy speaking engagement to the press, Hegseth gave what was called a ‘direct message to the Joint Force.’ “This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979 — and since the rudderless wars of hubris my generation endured. Don’t listen to the noise; just stay focused. Our commander-in-chief is steady at the wheel,” he stated.
“We face a determined enemy, but you are better. But we must prove it. History doesn’t care if you’re tired, if you’re scared, if the fight feels big. It demands warriors who rise anyway. Peace Through Strength. The Warrior Ethos. Lethality. Unity of Purpose. These aren’t slogans — they are the beating heart of what it means to wear this uniform. You think clearly under fire. You act decisively in chaos. You uphold the Constitution and you uphold your country without hesitation.”
“We are not defenders anymore — we are warriors, trained to kill the enemy and break their will. History is watching. Be the force you swore to be: focused, disciplined, lethal, and unbreakable. We will finish this on America First conditions of President Trump’s choosing – nobody else’s. As it should be. And know this above all: President Trump and I have your back – always.”
“Through fire, through criticism, through criticism, through fake news, through everything. We unleashed you because you are the best, most powerful, most lethal fighting force the world has ever seen. “May Almighty God watch over you, and may His providential arms of protection extend over you. GODSPEED WARRIORS—and keep going,” he concluded.