Hegseth not right for defense secretary

Donald Trump has the right to nominate a secretary of defense as he chooses. He must trust that nominee to further his presidential agenda. The secretary of defense will work at the pleasure of the president but carry the burden of the country in his decisions. It is one of the most significant members of the cabinet. The selectee will be responsible for all aspects of the defense of our nation. He will sit atop one of the largest organizations in the country and command an immense budget.

I am extremely disappointed that President-elect Trump has nominated Pete Hegseth for the secretary of defense. I do not support the nomination. In my view, Mr. Hegseth’s large-organization management experience is lacking, his expertise in world-strategy is unknown, he has no apparent expertise in weapons systems development, his knowledge about cyber-warfare or space-warfare is unknown and his decision-making ability is questionable. Mr. Hegseth will have less government or Department of Defense experience than any secretary of defense in the last 50 years (going back to Donald Rumsfeld’s first term as secretary of defense, 1975-1977). Yet, he will confront a world that has grown more complex and dangerous.

On the plus side, Mr. Hegseth is a good journalist, a telegenic celebrity and a war veteran with combat experience. All are desirable characteristics for work in the Department of Defense. Necessary characteristics for the secretary of defense, yes. Sufficient characteristics, no.

His main priority seems to be “refocusing the culture of our military to a more lethal, patriotic, warrior-like organization.” We do not need a cheerleader. We need a competent, experienced decision-maker to confront today’s defense issues.

Charlie Williams

Gurnee