1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The nomination of Peter Hegseth for Secretary of Defense is deeply concerning and should be rejected. He lacks the necessary leadership experience and management capabilities to effectively lead the Department of Defense with its massive workforce of 2.9 million people and $800 billion budget. My father was a Marine who served two tours in Vietnam but that does not make him qualified to be Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's limited military experience as a part-time National Guard officer solely at the tactical level is grossly insufficient preparation for managing the vast Department of Defense apparatus spanning strategic, operational, and geopolitical dimensions. Prior military service alone does not automatically confer the necessary proficiency to effectively lead and oversee the nation's defense enterprise and formulate policies impacting global security. I urge you to thoroughly examine his record and deeply troubling statements, and vote against his confirmation to preserve the apolitical integrity and effectiveness of the U.S. armed forces. Our service members deserve better.