Hegseth announces new autonomous weapons command while repeating attacks on “woke” culture during speech to troops

Hegseth Unveils Pentagon Autonomous Warfare Command

Healfromzero.com – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces new autonomous weapons plans as part of a proposed Pentagon command focused on artificial intelligence, robotics and unmanned systems. Speaking Wednesday at Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth paired the announcement with renewed criticism of military policies he describes as “woke.”

The proposed Autonomous Warfare Command would be led by a four-star general, giving emerging battlefield technologies a prominent place in the Pentagon’s command structure. Hegseth said the effort reflects the accelerating role of drones, robotics and AI in modern conflict.

“The autonomous and robotic revolution has enormous implications for equipment, doctrine, organization, and the assumptions that have governed warfare for decades,” Hegseth said. “Lasting change must be anchored in military command structures.”

Russia’s war in Ukraine has highlighted how drones and other unmanned systems can influence surveillance, targeting and battlefield operations. The new command is intended to treat autonomous capabilities as a lasting military priority rather than a collection of separate technology programs.

Project Agincourt and Project Meridian

Hegseth also introduced Project Agincourt, an initiative aimed at changing how the Pentagon acquires, tests and deploys drones and similar systems. The approach is designed to help the military respond more quickly as technology and battlefield needs evolve.

A separate study group, Project Meridian, will examine the future of warfare. Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich; and Anduril founder and chief executive Palmer Luckey were named as its chairs.

About 600 junior officers and noncommissioned officers were invited to the Quantico event. Their roles place them close to the daily training, discipline and operations of military units, making them important in carrying out Pentagon priorities.

Renewed focus on military culture

While the autonomous warfare announcement was the central institutional change, Hegseth also returned to themes from earlier speeches about military culture. He said he had ordered further reductions in senior officer positions as part of his campaign against policies he calls “woke.”

His updated goal seeks a 20% reduction in general and flag officer billets, double the 10% target for generals and admirals outlined in a May 2025 memorandum. The policy could further reshape senior leadership after the services reduced available four-star posts and some officers left military service.

Hegseth has dismissed more than two dozen senior officers, often without detailed public explanations. The moves have prompted objections from lawmakers in both parties and raised concerns about continuity, readiness and institutional experience.

Disagreement over the dismissals contributed to former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation, which also fueled concerns about Army transformation and readiness.

The event came one year after Hegseth addressed a more senior audience at Quantico on September 30, 2025. In that speech, he criticized what he called “the woke department” and described his preferred military culture, including comments about “fat troops” and “beardos.”

“Rip out the politics” of the Pentagon, Hegseth said in 2025, arguing that the “only mission” should be “warfighting, preparing for war and preparing to win.”

Wednesday’s speech delivered a similar message to junior leaders and noncommissioned officers, who are responsible for implementing many policies through unit-level training and operations.

FAQ: What the Pentagon announcement means

What is the Autonomous Warfare Command? It is a proposed Pentagon command focused on AI, robotics, drones and autonomous weapons systems, led by a four-star general.

Why is the Pentagon emphasizing autonomous systems? Hegseth cited the rapid evolution of warfare technology and lessons from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have taken on a visible role.

What is Project Agincourt? It is an initiative intended to speed up how the Pentagon purchases, tests and deploys drones and comparable technologies.

Who will study the future of warfare through Project Meridian? Musk, Gingrich and Luckey were named chairs of the Project Meridian study group.