Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is taking decisive steps to reinstate faith and Christian values in the military. A recent highlight was the first-ever Christmas Worship Service held at the Pentagon, where Hegseth articulated a profound sentiment: “It’s the greatest story ever told. And the best part about it is, it’s a true story.” This event featured prominent figures like Rev. Franklin Graham and musicians Matthew West and Anne Wilson, drawing a crowd of hundreds of military and civilian employees for a time of prayer and worship.
Hegseth’s commitment to the service extends beyond holiday gatherings. He emphasized honoring fallen service members, referencing the recent loss of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian interpreter in Syria. His remarks underscored the military’s bond with those who serve, stating, “Yes, they served in uniform, served all of us, on behalf of all of us. We serve a bigger and greater God.” By drawing upon the long history of prayer in the military, he aligned his actions with early American traditions and invoked George Washington’s reliance on faith during difficult times.
A notable aspect of Hegseth’s agenda has been the revamp of the Chaplain Corps, which he regards as vital for the morale and spiritual well-being of troops. This initiative is rooted in a significant ideological shift within the military, exemplified by the abolition of the Army’s Spiritual Fitness Guide—an outdated document he criticized for its inadequate mention of God and overemphasis on “New Age notions.” He emphasized that true strength comes from a foundation of faith, steering the military back toward a more traditional moral compass.
In a broader context, Hegseth has taken a firm stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the War Department. The January 2025 memorandum entitled “Restoring America’s Fighting Force” eliminated DEI offices and related programs, a move he justified by asserting that “unit cohesion, discipline, and shared mission” should define military culture over identity politics. His blunt address at Marine Corps Base Quantico echoed this sentiment. He declared, “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship.” This clear departure from previous policies underscores a shift toward prioritizing military readiness and cohesion.
With the implementation of regular Pentagon prayer services, Hegseth has integrated Christian worship into everyday military life. These gatherings, which have included his personal pastor, reflect a commitment to regular spiritual practice within the armed forces. Hegseth opened one such service with heartfelt prayer, declaring, “This is precisely where I need to be, exactly where we need to be as a nation at this moment, in prayer.”
In terms of historical context, Hegseth’s reinstatement of prayer as a core element of military life hearkens back to the practices established by George Washington. His dedication to prayer as a means of seeking guidance and strength resonates deeply within the historical framework of the military and the nation itself. Hegseth remarked, “As George Washington did that first year, he went on bended knee for providence in impossible tasks.”
Throughout his tenure, Hegseth has made faith a central theme, engaging in activities that recognize the spiritual needs of service members and reinforcing the role of chaplains. By combining faith with military duty, he is reshaping the culture at the Department of War. The ongoing commitment to prayer and traditional values marks a significant pivot toward a more faith-oriented military environment, ensuring that service members find strength not just in their training but in their beliefs as well.
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