Pete Hegseth’s military career is a testament to the dedication and service of America’s citizen-soldiers. From his early days as a Princeton graduate to his current role as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense, Hegseth’s journey exemplifies the spirit of the National Guard and the impact of military service on public leadership. His experiences in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan have shaped his perspective on national security and military readiness, bringing a unique blend of frontline experience to the Pentagon’s highest office. Let’s take a closer look at Pete Hegseth’s education, military service, and journey to his nomination for Secretary of Defense.
Pete Hegseth’s Early Years and Education
Peter Brian Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, in Minnesota. He was the first child of Brian and Penelope “Penny” Hegseth. Brian was a basketball coach for high schools across Minnesota before retiring in 2019, while Penny is an executive business coach who has taught with the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series, a program for Republican women. Hegseth was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and attended Forest Lake Area High School. Pete Hegseth graduated in 1999 as valedictorian and was later inducted into the hall of fame.
Hegseth’s path to military service began at Princeton University. According to Princeton Alumni Weekly, Hegseth majored in politics with certificates from the School for Public and International Affairs and in American Studies, and he wrote for The Princeton Tory. In his year as Tory publisher, he sought to “‘legitimate conservatism as a philosophy’ and ‘facilitate a campus discussion,’” he wrote at the close of his term. During his term as Tory publisher, Hegseth was critical of the Organization of Women Leaders (OWL) on campus, running a cover story featuring an illustration of an owl in a gun’s crosshairs. Hegseth was also elected Class Senator.
Pete Hegseth played basketball for Princeton, as a guard for the Princeton Tigers men’s basketball team, where he notably contributed to a crucial win against Columbia in 2003 with two timely three-pointers.
In the spring of 2001, he signed up for Princeton’s Army ROTC program as a sophomore demonstrating strong leadership qualities and discipline throughout his participation and committing to an Army National Guard contract. He fully committed to the program, never missing a lab or training despite the flexibility often granted to varsity athletes involved in ROTC. Princeton Army ROTC embodies Princeton’s motto, “In the Nation’s Service, and the Service of Humanity.”
Pete Hegseth Military Service: Joining the National Guard
Upon graduation from Princeton in 2003, as per his Army National Guard contract, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Minnesota National Guard. This decision would set the stage for a military career that would span over a decade and include multiple deployments to some of the most challenging environments faced by American forces in the 21st century.
After completing his commission, Hegseth underwent basic training at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia.
Pete Hegseth’s Deployments and Combat Experience
Hegseth’s first deployment came in 2004-2005 when his unit was called to serve at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Under the operational control of the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, Hegseth served as an infantry platoon leader. His performance during this assignment earned him his first Army Commendation Medal.
Shortly after returning from Cuba, Hegseth volunteered for deployment to Iraq. From 2005 to 2006, he served in Baghdad and Samarra, first as an infantry platoon leader and later as a civil-military operations officer. It was during this deployment that Hegseth faced one of the most harrowing experiences of his military career – his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade that, fortunately, did not explode.
For his actions and service during this deployment, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a second Army Commendation Medal. The Bronze Star, while not specifically awarded for a single act of heroism in Hegseth’s case, recognizes meritorious service in a combat zone and is a significant honor for any soldier.
In 2012, Hegseth returned to active duty as a captain, volunteering to deploy to Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard. His mission was to train Afghan security forces, a critical task in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and prepare local forces to take over security responsibilities.
Pete Hegseth’s Military Decorations and Achievements
Throughout his service, Hegseth earned several military decorations that speak to his dedication and performance in combat zones. His awards include:
– Two Bronze Star Medals
– The Joint Commendation Medal
– Two Army Commendation Medals
– The Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB)
– The Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB)
The Combat Infantryman Badge is particularly noteworthy, as it is awarded only to infantry soldiers who carry out their duties while under enemy fire. This decoration underscores the reality of Hegseth’s combat experience and his direct engagement with enemy forces during his deployments.
Controversy and Clarification About Pete Hegseth’s Military Service
It’s important to note that while Bronze Stars are significant military honors, they are awarded for both valor and meritorious service in combat zones. Hegseth’s Bronze Stars were awarded for meritorious service over extended periods rather than for specific acts of heroism. This distinction has led to some debate, with critics arguing that such awards are sometimes viewed as “participation trophies.” However, supporters of Hegseth, including those who served with him, emphasize that his awards reflect genuine and significant contributions in combat environments.
Mark Lucas, who followed Hegseth as head of the advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America, defended Hegseth’s service record, stating, “He was kicking in doors. He was in some serious combat.” Lucas also noted that Hegseth rarely spoke about his combat awards, suggesting a humility about his service.
Pete Hegseth’s Career After His Military Service:
After leaving active duty in 2014, Hegseth was promoted to the rank of major and assigned to the Army Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). His military experience informed his subsequent career in veterans’ advocacy and political commentary. Hegseth served as executive director for Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, leveraging his firsthand knowledge of military operations to advocate for veterans’ issues.
Pete Hegseth transitioned into media and politics, becoming a prominent conservative figure. He joined Fox News as a contributor and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend.” During his tenure at Fox, Hegseth became known for his conservative viewpoints and engaging style, often influencing policy decisions through his on-air commentary. Pete Hegseth also authored several books, which gained significant attention.
From Soldier to Secretary of Defense
Hegseth’s military background played a major role in his appointment as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense. Sworn in on January 25, 2025, at the age of 44, Hegseth brought his combat experience and understanding of military operations to the highest levels of defense policy-making.
In his confirmation hearing, Hegseth emphasized his vision for the Department of Defense, focusing on “lethality, meritocracy, warfighting, accountability and readiness.” He outlined plans to restore the warrior ethos, rebuild the military, and reestablish deterrence.
As he embarks on what he calls the “most important deployment of my life” as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth brings with him the lessons learned from his time in uniform.
His military career, marked by voluntary deployments and a willingness to serve in challenging environments, reflects a commitment to service that extends beyond his active duty years. Whether leading troops in combat, training Afghan forces, or now shaping national defense strategy, Pete Hegseth’s military service remains a defining aspect of his career and his approach to national security.
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