Recruitment Soars as Hegseth Ends Vaccine Mandate and Restores Standards

On January 27, 2025, Pete Hegseth stepped into the Pentagon with a mission to rebuild America’s military. A combat veteran chosen by President Donald J. Trump, Hegseth inherited a force strained by years of policies that prioritized social agendas over combat readiness. In just 100 days, he has ignited a transformation, restoring the warrior spirit and refocusing the military on its core purpose: defending the nation with unmatched strength.

Hegseth’s first act was a direct message to service members, pledging unity and high standards. His words struck a chord with troops who felt their mission had been diluted by bureaucratic mandates. The Pentagon, long criticized for drifting from its warfighting roots, now has a leader committed to lethality and merit. This shift resonates with Americans who want a military that stands strong, not one mired in politics.

Hegseth’s agenda is already delivering. From welcoming back discharged soldiers to slashing wasteful programs, his reforms prioritize those who serve. By emphasizing combat readiness, he is steering the military back to the principles that defined its global dominance. The question now is whether this momentum can overcome entrenched resistance.

The early results are promising. Hegseth’s vision of a leaner, more lethal force is taking shape, driven by a commitment to the men and clearing away distractions. His leadership offers hope to a nation eager for a military that reflects its values and protects its interests.

Hegseth moved quickly to rebuild trust, starting with the reversal of the 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate. That policy led to the discharge of nearly 8,000 service members who refused the vaccine, a decision many viewed as heavy-handed. On January 28, 2025, Hegseth’s executive order reinstated these troops, offering back pay and restored ranks. Over 650 Marines and soldiers have shown interest in returning, signaling strong support for the change.

This policy honors the convictions of those who serve. By welcoming back these warriors, Hegseth has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to loyalty and principle. Some argue this could disrupt readiness, but February 2025 recruitment data tells a different story. All five services met or surpassed their goals, fueled by a renewed emphasis on merit and mission.

Hegseth also addressed eroding standards. His March 2025 review of physical fitness and grooming requirements seeks to restore discipline across the force. The gender-neutral Army Fitness Test, launching in June, focuses on combat tasks like deadlifts and two-mile runs, ensuring every soldier is battle-ready. These standards build on the military’s history of excellence, from Truman’s 1948 desegregation to the post-9/11 focus on readiness.

Some claim these changes marginalize diverse recruits. Yet, the military’s strength has always come from shared purpose, not identity-based programs. Hegseth’s task force, led by Jules W. Hurst III, is replacing diversity initiatives with merit-focused policies. This approach fosters unity, ensuring the force remains the world’s most effective.

Hegseth’s leadership extends to the global stage, where he has revitalized America’s alliances. His February decision to release 2,000-pound bombs to Israel reaffirmed U.S. support, while meetings with leaders from Australia, Japan, and the UK strengthened partnerships. In Brussels, he urged NATO allies to increase defense spending, a call the UK answered with its largest investment since the Cold War.

At home, Hegseth has prioritized border security. By April 2025, 11,900 troops were deployed to the southern border, with the Army overseeing 109,651 acres of federal land. Border crossings have dropped 99.99% compared to four years ago, proving that a robust military presence restores order. Some call this overreach, but a secure border is essential to national defense.

In the Middle East, Operation Rough Rider has targeted Houthi threats with over 1,000 precision strikes, protecting vital shipping lanes. Hegseth’s Panama Canal security pact counters China’s regional ambitions, safeguarding a critical global asset. These actions demonstrate America’s resolve to confront adversaries and protect its interests.

Hegseth’s reforms tackle the Pentagon’s bloated budget head-on. The Department of Government Efficiency uncovered $6 billion in savings by eliminating non-essential programs, including $80 million in diversity initiatives. These funds now support warfighter health care and readiness, not overpriced consultants. This fiscal discipline ensures taxpayer dollars serve those who serve.

The Army Transformation Initiative, endorsed by AEI’s John Ferrari, modernizes the force with AI, drones, and long-range fires, preparing for threats like China by 2027. By cutting outdated systems, Hegseth is building a military that is agile and lethal. These changes reflect a commitment to accountability, prioritizing the needs of troops over bureaucratic excess.

In just 100 days, Hegseth has set the military on a path to greatness. Recruitment and retention are surging, with figures like Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer returning to service. The Pentagon is refocusing on lethality and merit, free from the distractions of identity politics. These changes honor the sacrifices of America’s warriors.

Resistance persists, with some in Congress arguing that diversity programs are essential for recruitment. Yet, Hegseth’s results—record enlistments, restored trust, and stronger alliances—prove that a unified, mission-driven force is the key to success. America deserves a military that embodies strength and purpose, and Hegseth is making that vision a reality.