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Donald Trump rightly recognized that the 2024 election was centered on domestic “kitchen table” issues rather than foreign policy or military readiness. While he acknowledged problems within the Pentagon and pledged to address them, voters were more focused on other priorities, allowing him to avoid delving into specifics. Now, as President-elect, Trump has the opportunity to deliver on his promises to streamline government and fix the Pentagon. Here are some key areas to address:
1. Scrapping DEI and Restoring Merit-Based Promotions
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have ballooned into a massive industry within the Pentagon, producing division and harming recruitment, particularly among the children of veterans. Eliminating DEI programs and reverting to a merit-based promotion system for both military personnel and civilian employees would send a clear message that the military prioritizes readiness and excellence over ideology.
The Biden administration’s push to make the military a “social experiment” alienated many potential recruits. Most young men and women who consider military service are drawn to the idea of joining a force committed to defending the nation, not attending “self-deprecating seminars.” This disconnect between priorities has contributed significantly to the current recruiting crisis.
2. Reforming the Goldwater-Nichols Act (GNA)
The Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, originally intended to improve joint operations in the wake of past military failures, has had unintended and damaging consequences. One key issue is the act’s requirement for Flag or General Officers (FOGOs) to complete three-year joint staff assignments, leading to an overstaffed and inefficient bureaucracy.
The bloated structure of today’s Pentagon contrasts starkly with historical examples of lean, effective leadership. For instance, Rommel’s Panzer Army in North Africa operated with a staff equivalent to a modern U.S. Army brigade, while today’s American theater commands have staff sizes comparable to two infantry battalions. Similarly, the World War II fleets commanded by Admirals Halsey and Spruance had staffs small enough to fit in an aircraft carrier wardroom—long before the advent of computers designed to streamline operations.
The last decisive U.S. military victory, Operation Desert Storm, was led by officers trained before GNA and its related Skelton education mandates took full effect. In contrast, the generals who oversaw the 20-year war in Afghanistan failed to recognize that building an Afghan army modeled after the U.S. military was unsustainable. The conflict should have been handed over to an Afghan force modeled after the Taliban’s decentralized structure by 2006.
3. Rebuilding the Marine Corps
Under the Biden administration, misguided leadership shifted the Marine Corps from a globally ready force to one narrowly focused on countering China. This transformation came at the expense of combat power essential for large-scale operations, such as Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Tanks, heavy assault engineers, and adequate artillery were divested to fund anti-ship missile programs—capabilities already covered by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
To restore the Marine Corps to its traditional role, new leadership is needed—officers who understand the Corps’ historical contributions to national defense and its unique ability to execute amphibious campaigns like Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Inchon. Rebuilding the Marine Corps to its former readiness will take at least a decade but must begin immediately.
Preparing for Future Conflicts
These recommendations represent only a fraction of what is needed to reform the Pentagon. However, they are essential to ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to deter and, if necessary, decisively win future conflicts. As Trump moves to implement these changes, he has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by restoring the armed forces to their rightful position as the most capable and effective military in the world.
While we hope for peace, history has shown that preparation and strength are the best deterrents to war. If conflict comes, America must be ready to win.
