Pete Hegseth, the new Secretary of Defense, outlines the Pentagon’s priorities

Pete Hegseth, who was just sworn in as President Trump’s defense secretary, released his priorities for the department on Saturday, saying the Pentagon will “put America first, and we will not back down.” “.

In a message to the Defense Department’s three million employees — including about 1.3 million uniformed personnel — Mr. Hegseth outlined three priorities for his work.

First, he said he plans to “revive the warrior ethic and restore confidence in our soldiers.” Many military experts question the need, saying the military has been focused on war for years.

Second, Mr. Hegseth emphasized strengthening the country’s industrial base — which grew after Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago — and easing the military’s cumbersome process of purchasing equipment. – a new weapon.

Finally, he said the Pentagon will “re-establish deterrence in the defense of our homeland” and work with allies in the Indo-Pacific region to deal with rising military threats. from China. He said the military would also support President Trump’s priority to “end wars responsibly,” a likely reference to the war in Ukraine as well as the conflict in the Middle East.

“All of this will be done with a focus on quality, integrity, accountability, standards and readiness,” Mr Hegseth said.