<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia</strong> <strong>—</strong> Defense Secretary <a href="https://washingtonexaminer.com/tag/pete-hegseth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Hegseth</a> delivered his "State of the Force" address on Wednesday afternoon to approximately 600 active-duty E-6 and O-3 service members, one year after a similar speech at the same venue.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Attendees received a small black book titled <em>The War Department</em>, which included notable speeches by Hegseth as secretary, with a foreword from President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>. The audience began entering the auditorium about 45 minutes before the event, accompanied by country music.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Gen. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/dan-caine/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dan Caine</a>, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, introduced Hegseth, who received a standing ovation.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In his roughly hour-long speech, Hegseth reflected on his previous address, stating, "One year ago today, I stood right here on this very stage and addressed generals and admirals and sergeant majors. Now, the hyperventilating media thought it might be an impromptu PT test. Instead, the speech was a declaration of independence for the War Department, marking a clean break from the Defense Department of old."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hegseth criticized media coverage of the Iran war, promoted meritocracy and gender-blind fitness standards, and expressed opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives. He stated, "We are no longer the woke department or the weak department. Simple translation of that: no weirdo, no wimps, no radicals. Just warriors, just tough, ready, committed troops."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He further remarked, "Our so-called press makes Iranian state media look reasonable. Our media’s shameful cuts for political retribution blinds them to the consequences of reckless so-called reporting. So-called journalists juiced up on Trump derangement syndrome think they’re fighting against our president, but they’re really undermining you, our warfighters."</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The audience was mostly quiet during the speech, with some laughter during Hegseth's impression of Trump.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the latter half of his address, Hegseth announced the establishment of the Autonomous Warfare Command, which is set to be established as a four-star functional combatant command by October 1, 2027. Owen West, director of the Pentagon’s Innovation Unit, and Navy SEAL Senior Chief Max Strasiser will co-lead the effort.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This initiative is part of the department's strategy to develop and mass-produce drones and autonomous systems, as well as utilize artificial intelligence.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hegseth also introduced a plan called FORTRESS America, which stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy Supply, and Survivability. The initiative aims for military bases to independently power their own grids to prevent adversaries from disrupting civilian infrastructure.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last month, the Army announced plans to install advanced nuclear reactors at five bases, with contracts totaling $2.2 billion. Officials expect to construct over 20 nuclear microreactors across military installations in the coming years.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hegseth also announced plans for a new military base domestically and encouraged governors to apply to host it, stating, "If your state wants the honor of hosting 15,000-25,000 of America’s great troops, show us why and how you’re going to do it. Cutting through the red tape, offering up the land, and rolling out the red carpet for our military families."</p>