“Political ideologies have captured the top of our Pentagon, and that’s proliferated throughout the institution, and it’s made our ranks less accountable. It’s lowered the standards. They’re less prepared. Commanders are walking on eggshells. And, as a result, they’re less capable. But it’s something that can be reversed. And I wanted to sound the alarm on it now in the hopes that we can right the ship.” — Pete Hegseth