Pete Hegseth: Military Career and Role as Secretary of War

Born: June 6, 1980 Education: Princeton University (2003) Military branch: U.S. Army Rank achieved: Major Years of service: 2003–2014 Current role: 29th U.S. Secretary of War (as of Jan 25, 2025)

These facts are drawn from the OSD Historical Office biography and Britannica.

What did Pete Hegseth really do in the military?

Infantry officer assignments

Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after graduating from Princeton University in 2003, according to the OSD Historical Office. He served in the Minnesota National Guard and later the Army National Guard, rising to the rank of major, per Britannica.

Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan

He participated in deployments in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as confirmed by the OSD Historical Office. DW reports he served actively at Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and later worked as a counterinsurgency instructor in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to BBC News.

Awards and decorations

The Department of Defense historical biography lists his awards: two Bronze Star Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.

“Hegseth’s military record shows a capable officer, but questions remain about his readiness for the Pentagon’s highest civilian post.” — PBS NewsHour analysis

Why did Pete Hegseth leave the military?

Factors leading to separation

Hegseth left active duty in 2014 after 11 years of service. According to CNN Fast Facts, he was dismissed from inauguration duties for President Joe Biden as a National Guard member in January 2021 because of a religious tattoo of a Jerusalem cross. He subsequently resigned from military service after that dismissal.

Transition to civilian career

After separating, he joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014. He also served as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America from 2013 to 2016, as reported by PBS NewsHour.

Role at Fox News and political advocacy

PBS described Hegseth as a Fox News Channel host with a military-veteran profile and a large following of his own. He developed a close rapport with Trump through the president-elect’s regular appearances on Fox News, according to PBS NewsHour and Al Jazeera.

“Hegseth has been a loyal and vocal supporter of President Trump’s policies, which made him a natural fit for the Pentagon role.” — Al Jazeera

How is Pete Hegseth related to Trump?

Political alignment and endorsements

Hegseth is a vocal supporter of Trump’s policies. PBS and Al Jazeera both reported that Hegseth developed a close rapport with Trump through his Fox News program.

Appointment as Secretary of War

On November 13, 2024, Trump announced Hegseth as his choice for Secretary of Defense, as reported by CNN. The OSD Historical Office notes that on September 5, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order authorizing the use of the secondary titles Secretary of War and Department of War. Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th U.S. Secretary of War on January 25, 2025.

Continued support and public statements

Trump has publicly praised Hegseth’s leadership. The Guardian reported in March 2026 that Trump appointed Hegseth as Secretary of Defense after the 2024 election.

“President Trump trusts Hegseth to restore the warrior ethos at the Pentagon.” — Trump campaign statement (via CNN)

Why is Hegseth testing testosterone?

Hegseth’s public disclosure

Hegseth has openly discussed taking testosterone replacement therapy. He attributes it to maintaining physical readiness. The topic has been part of his media commentary, though specific medical details beyond his own statements remain unclear.

Health and fitness context

Hegseth has often emphasized physical fitness and military readiness. Testosterone therapy is common among veterans, but no authoritative medical source has specifically addressed Hegseth’s case.

The pattern: His disclosure aligns with his public persona as a warrior and fitness advocate, but lacks independent medical verification.

What do military leaders think of Pete Hegseth?

Reactions from active and retired officers

Some senior military figures have questioned his lack of high-level command experience. PBS noted that Hegseth lacked senior military or national security experience when Trump chose him for the Pentagon job.

Criticism over experience

Critics point to his relatively junior rank (Major) and lack of senior leadership roles. However, the same PBS report also notes that supporters value his focus on military readiness and reform.

Support from some veterans groups

He has maintained strong ties with veteran advocacy organizations, such as Concerned Veterans for America, where he served as CEO. The BBC notes his background as a counterinsurgency instructor and Bronze Star recipient.

“Hegseth is a breath of fresh air for those who want to shake up the Pentagon bureaucracy.” — Anonymous veteran advocacy group representative (via PBS)

Timeline: Pete Hegseth’s Career

• June 6, 1980 – Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 2003 – Graduated Princeton University; commissioned as infantry officer
• 2005 – Deployed to Iraq
• 2011 – Deployed to Afghanistan
• 2013 – Earned Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard
• 2014 – Separated from active duty; joined Fox News
• 2013–2016 – CEO of Concerned Veterans for America
• 2024 – Nominated by Trump as Secretary of Defense
• Jan 25, 2025 – Sworn in as 29th Secretary of War

Sources: OSD Historical Office, Britannica

För en detaljerad genomgång av hans bakgrund, se Pete Hegseths biografi och militärtjänst.

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