Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s commendable speech this week to hundreds of generals and admirals signaled a renewed commitment to establishing a merit-based culture in the military. This includes returning combat military occupational specialties to the highest male physical standard, ditching progressive political programs on DEI and climate change, and enforcing high physical fitness standards for soldiers and generals alike. 

It may not have been necessary to summon military leaders to Quantico to convey this message, but it created a sense of occasion and importance, and it was welcome for that.