The Myth of Declining Lethality

Why chasing 'lethality' at all costs could make America’s military less effective.

Good morning,

In his first 100 days as Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth has made one thing abundantly clear: lethality is the mission. ‘Lethality, lethality, lethality,’ he declared—cutting programs, restructuring commands, and reviving a combative ethos under the banner of building a more ‘lethal’ force.

But here’s the thing: the U.S. military is already more lethal than ever before.

And ironically, by singularly fixating on ‘lethality,’ Hegseth’s approach may undermine the very combat power he wants to enhance.