Hegseth said the evaluation will ensure “our flag is carried by our most lethal and most adaptable leaders.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday a new process through which senior officers being promoted will be required to demonstrate how well they can solve problems and make decisions in warfighting scenarios.
Hegseth announced, “Today, I’m announcing the Joint Warfighter Evaluation. 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. 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. This principle is proven.”
He later added, “This evaluation is an objective equalizer. The scenario only cares about operational decisions under pressure.” He said the evaluation will ensure “our flag is carried by our most lethal and most adaptable leaders.”