Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussions of gender discrimination, transgender discrimination, antigay bias, and racism.



Chapter 4 focuses on what Hegseth describes as the ideological transformation of military leadership and recruitment. He argues that “normalcy” and traditional military values—like strength, honor, and readiness—have been displaced by progressive social priorities, particularly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. According to Hegseth, these changes prioritize ideological conformity over operational capacity, eroding the military’s ability to focus on its core mission: combat readiness and “maximum lethality.”

Hegseth underscores this critique by citing examples of policy changes, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”—a policy that allowed gay and lesbian people to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexual orientation secret—and 2022 guidance for transgender service members. He claims that accommodating soldiers undergoing medical transitions introduces logistical challenges, as they may become non-deployable for extended periods. For Hegseth, these policies reflect a broader shift toward prioritizing identity politics over operational efficiency. His arguments are primarily supported by anecdotal evidence rather than comprehensive studies. Critics have countered that diversity initiatives, when properly implemented, can improve unit cohesion and adaptability, citing Department of Defense (DoD) research that links inclusive policies to stronger team problem-solving and innovation.