Hegseth announces 'Joint Warfighter Evaluation' as 'equalizer' for selecting generals

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the latest development in his mission to bring more merit-based standards to the U.S. military on Tuesday, rolling out what he is calling a “Joint Warfighter Evaluation” for select general promotions.

“Starting this year, eligible O-6s — that’s colonels and Navy captains — screening for one star will undergo this assessment to stratify their ability to fight, adapt, and win,” Hegseth said in the announcement. “While the backbone of our military is our NCOs and our petty officers, victory depends on the commanders who lead them. America needs warfighters who can master a chaotic battle space.”