1. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed officers at Quantico, Virginia on Tuesday.
a) What did he say was the only mission of the Department of War?
b) What is the military's number one job, according to Hegseth?
c) Define pacifism. Why does he say it is naive and dangerous?

2. a) What warning did Secretary Hegseth give? Why did he say this is a moment of urgency?
b) What does the military need to prepare for this urgent moment in time? Be specific.

3. Hegseth noted "The best way to take care of troops is to give them good leaders committed to the warfighting culture of the department." What three variables does he say leaders can control?

4. In paragraph 12, Secretary Hegseth says "For too long,...the military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things." What does he say his speech is about?

5. What policies implemented under President Obama and President Biden are Secretary Hegseth and the Trump administration eliminating from our military?

6. What point does Hegseth make about combat arms units and positions?

7. a) In addition to adding a combat field test for combat arms units that must be executable in any environment at any time and with combat equipment, what requirements will be implemented going forward for all military personnel, private up to four star general?
b) What new directives is the secretary ordering for every warrior?

8. a) Secretary Hegseth tells the officers that going forward, standards will revert back to being uniform and gender neutral. What points does he make about physical standards for women and "weak men" in combat? Be specific.
b) Is he right? Explain your answer.

9. Critics complain that Secretary Hegseth's address to the officers should have just been sent in an email. Why do you think it was important to gather in person - and to publicize it for Americans to hear how the military is being overhauled (or restored to its original purpose)? Explain your answer.

10. Secretary Hegseth says there should be a uniform standard for qualifying for combat roles. Some are critical of his policy restoring the standards to pre-2015 regulations. Consider the main enemy our military might be fighting in the future - China. The Chinese do not have lesser standards for women (Chinese women train to the same standards as men) or "weak men" to allow them to qualify for combat roles. Combat soldiers need to be able to rely on their unit. Is having one standard for all combat roles essential? Why or why not?

OPTIONAL: Read or watch Secretary Hegseth's entire speech under "Resources" below the questions. Are you inspired, encouraged or angered by his speech? Explain your answer.