It Seems a Bit Reaching When Hegseth's Supporters Point the Focus on His Military Career

Tiffany Brannon writes that Hegeth has a "tough, military background." I'll be the first to say his decision to serve is honorable. Just like the thousands of civilians who volunteered to serve in the Reserves during GWOT. But to classify him as a "military man" is disingenuous considering his actual career trajectory.

He served part-time in the national guard, retiring as a major. He never held command and was never in charge of anything larger than a platoon. Although he was an Infantry Officer, he never graduated from Ranger school, which I understand is rare in the company grades and almost unseen in the field grades.

I don't buy it - It just seems strange to me that this is the candidate Trump is choosing to lead the DOD and its personnel, when there are so many other career military officers that would be better suited because they have the requisite experience on active duty.

Could Hegseth make up his lack of genuine military experience through managing a business, or other governmental agency? Yes. But he hasn't. He worked primarily in television. Couple this with his extreme stances and criminal allegations and he's not the right choice.

This is why it seems, to me, that his support is based on identity politics and not his qualifications to manage a department with the size and budget of the DOD.

DeSantis would be a much better choice, who could implement similar reforms without all of the baggage.