The secretary of defense claims, “I know exactly what I’m doing,” despite breaking every military rule about security and putting our fellow soldiers in harm’s way. This arrogance is dangerous when we add significant power and responsibility. His qualifications were questioned even before he became secretary of defense. Must we wait for disaster to codify his incompetence?

As a former United States Army colonel, with experience at the Pentagon, multiple field commands and a master’s degree in international relations, I am alarmed by his mishandling of critical sensitive information. As a War College graduate, I was taught strategy at the master’s level, which seems lacking at the most elemental levels following this breach. The lack of FBI checks on high-security positions is also concerning. It may be a leading factor when we do a root cause analysis.

Every veteran, War College graduate and active-duty soldier should demand the resignation of Pete Hegseth.

Eric Mitchell
Retired U.S. Army Colonel
Livermore Falls