The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free

Asymmetrical warfare involves conflicts where opposing forces differ significantly in their capabilities, tactics, or resources. Hegseth highlights how American adherence to international laws and ethical standards creates an asymmetrical disadvantage when fighting adversaries who disregard these conventions. This concept underscores his critique of overly restrictive ROE and the misuse of jus in bello.

Hegseth uses this term to describe the ideological and cultural divisions within America that, he argues, have infiltrated the military. By likening this conflict to past historical struggles, such as the US Civil War and the Cold War between the US and the USSR, he hopes to emphasize what he sees as a significant battle for the nation’s values. The term encapsulates his view of America’s internal challenges as equally threatening as external adversaries.

Combat readiness refers to the ability of military forces to effectively engage in warfare. Hegseth identifies this as the primary goal of the armed forces and critiques policies and initiatives that, in his view, detract from this objective. He frames combat readiness as being compromised by DEI programs, restrictive ROE, and the focus on ideological conformity.