MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Pete Hegseth, the outspoken Fox News commentator and conservative political analyst, has long drawn both admiration and criticism for his military service. A decorated Army veteran with multiple combat deployments, Hegseth’s tenure in the U.S. military has become a focal point in debates about patriotism, leadership, and the intersection of military service with political advocacy. This indepth report examines his 11year military career, the controversies that followed, and how his service continues to shape his role as a media figure. What happened to Pete Hegseth in the military? Let’s find out here.
Early Career and Combat Deployments
Pete Hegseth’s military journey began in 2003, shortly after graduating from Princeton University with a degree in political science. Commissioned as an infantry officer through the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Hegseth’s early assignments set the stage for a career defined by frontline leadership.
Guantánamo Bay: The First Test (2004–2005)
Hegseth’s first major deployment came in 2004, when he was sent to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, as a platoon leader overseeing detainee operations at the controversial detention facility. Tasked with managing soldiers guarding individuals captured during the Global War on Terror, Hegseth’s role placed him at the center of a global debate about human rights and U.S. counterterrorism tactics.
At Guantánamo, Hegseth’s unit enforced strict protocols for detainees, many of whom were classified as “enemy combatants.” While Hegseth has consistently defended the facility’s operations as lawful, his time there later became a lightning rod for scrutiny.
Iraq: Leadership Under Fire (2005–2006; 2007–2008)
In 2005, Hegseth deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, where he led a infantry platoon in Samarra and Baghdad during some of the war’s bloodiest years. His leadership during counterinsurgency operations earned him a Bronze Star Medal, awarded for “meritorious service in a combat zone.”
Hegseth volunteered for a second Iraq deployment in 2007–2008, serving as a senior adviser to Iraqi security forces. His work focused on training Iraqi troops to assume control of security operations—a critical component of the U.S. strategy to wind down its presence.
Afghanistan: Final Combat Deployment (2010–2011)
Promoted to Major, Hegseth deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. Stationed in the volatile eastern provinces near the Pakistan border, he advised Afghan forces and coordinated U.S. counterinsurgency efforts. His second Bronze Star recognized his “exceptional leadership” amid constant threats from Taliban fighters and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Awards and Accolades
Hegseth’s military record includes numerous commendations:
Two Bronze Star Medals: Awarded for leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Combat Infantryman Badge: Granted for active ground combat.
Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device: Recognized for heroism during a 2006 firefight in Iraq, where he reportedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct his platoon’s response.
Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded upon his retirement in 2014.
“Major Hegseth’s service exemplifies the Army’s core values,” said Colonel James Whitmore (ret.), a former colleague. “He led from the front and earned the respect of his soldiers.”
Controversies: Allegations and Investigations
Despite his accolades, Hegseth’s military career has not been without controversy. Critics, including some former subordinates, have raised questions about his conduct—particularly during his time at Guantánamo Bay.
Guantánamo Bay Allegations
In 2006, soldiers under Hegseth’s command reported concerns about detainee treatment at Guantánamo. Allegations included claims of sleep deprivation, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, and harsh interrogation techniques. While Hegseth was not directly accused of abuse, critics argued he fostered a culture of aggression.
The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command (CID) launched a probe but found no evidence of criminal misconduct by Hegseth. In a 2013 interview with The Star Tribune, Hegseth defended his actions: “Every order I gave adhered to the Geneva Conventions. Our mission was to keep detainees secure—not to punish them.”
Debates Over Bronze Star Legitimacy
Some veterans and military analysts have questioned whether Hegseth’s Bronze Stars were inflated rewards for routine leadership. “Bronze Stars for meritorious service are common among officers in combat zones,” said Dr. Roger Thompson, a military historian at Georgetown University. “But they’re not handed out lightly. His record suggests he earned them.”
Hegseth’s supporters, including retired General Jack Keane, have pushed back: “In counterinsurgency environments, leadership under constant threat is anything but routine. His awards reflect real courage.”
PostMilitary Career: From Soldier to Media Firebrand
After retiring as a Major in 2014, Hegseth transitioned seamlessly into conservative advocacy and media.
Concerned Veterans for America
Hegseth became CEO of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), a nonprofit linked to the Koch brothers’ political network. Under his leadership, CVA championed privatizing veterans’ healthcare and reducing federal oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Critics accused the group of undermining public institutions, but Hegseth framed the mission as “empowering veterans through choice.”
Fox News and Political Commentary
In 2014, Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor, rising to prominence as a cohost of Fox & Friends Weekend. His commentary often blends military experience with hardline stances on immigration, national security, and “woke” military policies.
“Pete’s credibility comes from his bootsontheground experience,” said Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media. “He speaks to veterans and patriots in a way that resonates.”
Yet his rhetoric has drawn fire. In 2022, he faced backlash for comparing vaccine mandates to “Stalinist tyranny,” with the Military Times editorializing: “Hegseth’s hyperbole undermines constructive debate about military readiness.”
The Political Weaponization of Military Service
Hegseth’s career underscores a broader trend: the politicization of military service in American discourse. Supporters view him as a patriot leveraging his experience to advocate for stronger national defense. Detractors argue he exploits his veteran status to lend credibility to partisan agendas.
Veterans’ Reactions
Responses from veterans are mixed. “He’s a hero who speaks truth to power,” said Mike Johnson, an Iraq War veteran and founder of Veterans for Pete. Others, like former Marine Corps officer Sarah Mendoza, are critical: “Using your rank to push divisive politics dishonors the uniform.”
Ethics of MediaMilitary Ties
Experts like Dr. Kathleen Belew, a historian of U.S. militarism, warn of blurred lines: “When media figures like Hegseth frame military service as inherently political, it risks eroding public trust in the armed forces as a nonpartisan institution.”
Legacy and Lingering Questions
Today, Hegseth remains a polarizing figure. His 2023 memoir, Modern Warriors, glorifies his combat experiences but sidesteps controversies. Meanwhile, his Fox News platform ensures his views reach millions.
Unresolved Tensions
Guantánamo’s Shadow: Human rights groups continue to demand accountability for detainee treatment during Hegseth’s tenure.
Veterans’ Advocacy: While Hegseth claims to champion veterans, groups like VoteVets accuse him of prioritizing “corporate interests over VA reform.”
Read More: The Rise of Alessandro Costa: Unveiling His Net Worth and Family
Conclusion: A Soldier’s Story in a Divided America
Pete Hegseth’s military career—marked by bravery, commendations, and contentious choices—mirrors the complexities of post9/11 America. For some, he embodies the archetypal soldierstatesman; for others, he represents the dangers of militarized partisanship. As debates over patriotism and service rage on, Hegseth’s legacy remains as contested as the wars he fought in.
Recent Comments