Background on the Nominee

President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary,
Pete Hegseth, has garnered attention as he prepares for his Senate confirmation hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
The 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host has been labeled an “incredibly talented, battle-proven leader” in evaluations
obtained by Fox News Digital. As Hegseth approaches this pivotal moment, he faces a litany of questions regarding his qualifications
and leadership capabilities at the Department of Defense.

A Glimpse into Military Evaluations

Military assessment documents reviewed by Fox News reveal Hegseth as a figure of commendable leadership throughout
his service, which includes notable deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
His tenure with the New Jersey National Guard saw him commanding a 39-man Air Assault Infantry Rifle platoon,
a unit that can be deployed anywhere within 36 hours.

According to an officer evaluation report dating from April 2005 to January 2006, Hegseth exhibited “outstanding performance”
just days after taking charge of his platoon for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The report emphasizes his tactical
acumen, stating: “He effectively led his platoon through five months of combat,” showcasing his capacity to plan and execute varied operations.

Combat Leadership and Achievements

During his tour at FOB Falcon, Iraq, Hegseth’s leadership proved pivotal in the establishment and defense of a tactical sector.
His evaluators praised his contributions, noting that he effectively transitioned his platoon to offensive operations
and carried out missions that resulted in significant enemy engagement and intelligence gathering.

The evaluators were particularly impressed by Hegseth’s ability to operate independently, managing his squads while coordinating
air support and other combat resources effectively. A recurring theme in the evaluations is Hegseth’s capacity to maintain both physical and
mental readiness among his troops, suggesting a deep commitment to soldier welfare, even under high-stakes conditions.

Hegseth’s combat record continued to flourish as he served as an assistant civil military operations officer, during which he cultivated vital
relationships with local leaders to achieve intelligence conducive to counter-insurgency efforts.

Support from Lawmakers Amid Controversy

As Hegseth’s confirmation process approaches, support from Republican lawmakers has been palpable.
Several senators, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), voiced their backing in a press conference on Capitol Hill on the eve of
the confirmation hearings. Tuberville underscored the dire need for a leader capable of commanding respect within the military
ranks amidst a turbulent period marred by mismanagement.

Critics, however, have leveled allegations against Hegseth, questioning his management of funds in veteran nonprofit organizations and
his alleged lack of recent military experience. Notably, he faced allegations of sexual misconduct during a GOP conference in 2017,
although no criminal charges were filed—and he later resolved the matter financially with the accuser.

Responses from Supporters

Advocates for Hegseth’s nomination contend that his battlefield experience and leadership ethos are precisely what the military needs.
“The last four years have been an absolute disaster for our military,” Tuberville noted, emphasizing the necessity for “someone that’s
been in two wars, somebody that understands camaraderie.”

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) echoed similar sentiments, arguing that despite the military’s unmatched prowess, victory in warfare has
eluded the United States for decades.

Proven Track Record and Recognition

Hegseth’s military accolades further buttress his credentials, having received multiple commendations, including two Bronze Star Medals
and two Army Commendation Medals. His evaluations from Afghanistan corroborate his effectiveness as a leader, with one report
heralding him as “the best CPT in this command” based on his exceptional leadership and dedication to mission objectives.

His commendations also reflect dedication beyond immediate duties, highlighting his contribution to developing counterinsurgency training
resources and ensuring comprehensive guidance to multinational NATO students on operations.