WP: Hegseth Intends To Limit The Military's Ability To Complain About Commanders

• 1.10.2025, 9:46

Big changes are coming to the U.S. military.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has drafted directives that would change the U.S. military's ability to complain about commanders.

It was reported by The Washington Post.

In particular, Hegseth said he would overhaul military channels that allow military personnel to file complaints, report toxic leadership or point out discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

The changes come at a time when the Pentagon chief is relaxing rules on how senior officers treat enlisted personnel without jeopardizing their careers. Including talk of revising what is considered bullying.

Hegseth said the moves "will empower leaders to enforce standards without fear of retaliation or questioning."

"The (inspector general - Ed.) has been turned into a weapon by putting complainers, ideologues and bad performers at the helm," Hegseth told a group of generals and admirals, referring to independent oversight bodies at the Pentagon.

He added that now there will be no more anonymous complaints.

"No more empty complaints. No more anonymous complaints, no more repeat complaints, no more shaming of reputations, no more endless waiting, no more legal uncertainty, no more career winding down. No more fumbling at the seams," the Pentagon chief added.

The agencies to be overhauled include the Defense Department's equal opportunity office and the inspector general's office for the military services.

The new directives signed by Hegseth are outlined in two new policy memoranda. They are part of a campaign that includes purging positions that the Pentagon chief believes are distracting the Army from its primary combat mission.