Defense Secretary Hegseth’s Focus on Cultural Issues Raises Concerns Over Army Modernization

After Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned, several senior officials told CNN that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s attention to cultural matters and the removal of key leaders may be slowing the service’s modernization drive. Driscoll’s resignation letter reportedly cited concerns that Hegseth blocked transformation initiatives by firing generals responsible for advancing new capabilities such as unmanned systems.

A former senior Army official said, ">It’s critical that you have key leaders that understand technology and have the temperament to deal with industry and turn that into the formation. When you fire these guys for arbitrary reasons, it creates confusion and a void … the Army is enduring turbulence right now."

Other Pentagon officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that while Hegseth has issued guidance on unmanned systems, they observe a greater focus on cultural debates than on technology reforms. One European-based defense official remarked, ">It’s conflicting because yeah he put out a memo saying this is important, but … he’s talking about muscles, dudes in dresses, testosterone. We don’t see a change at that level."

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected the criticism, stating that claims of Hegseth neglecting modernization are "a total fabrication" and that the department remains unified behind his vision.

The departures of Army Chief of Staff Randy George, former Europe and Africa commander Gen. Christopher Donahue, and Transformation and Training Command head Gen. David Hodne have drawn particular attention. Donahue had been coordinating with Ukrainian forces on drone warfare, while Hodne was leading efforts to accelerate innovation against threats from China, Russia and Iran. A senior official warned, ">You’re taking away three of the most seasoned combat leaders of a generation who are in a unique position to articulate battlefield requirements."

With Driscoll’s exit, the Army faces a leadership gap as it continues to confront ongoing tensions with Iran and other modernization challenges. Brookings Institution scholar Mike O’Hanlon acknowledged the service’s depth of talent but warned that Hegseth’s focus on cultural battles is "disrupting" momentum.

Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by a push to reshape the department’s image, including proposals to rename the Defense Department, rename bases, and emphasize a “warrior ethos.” Critics say these actions have been accompanied by the dismissal of senior officers who were advancing modernization programs.

The acting Army chief, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, appointed after the firings, has not been confirmed by Congress and is described by some officials as inexperienced for the role. LaNeve’s recent statements stress traditional soldiering fundamentals and a “back-to-basics” approach, which some observers view as at odds with the modernization priorities of his predecessors.