From our Defense Correspondent....

[MikeKozlowski]

So, SECDEF Hegseth is in Europe today, and started his morning with a workout and run with a Special Forces det:

GjgivfXXAAARKQw.jpeg

The fella on the left has gone viral, and been christened "Throk".

Best comment so far is at Habitual Linecrosser, who said, "Imagine surviving the breaching charge, only to see the tactical Kool Aid man coming at you."

First response: ".....He needs a breaching charge ...?"

Mike

[jemhouston]

Every year Hegseth did the SEAL Foundation swim in NYC https://impact.navysealfoundation.org/e ... im/e559597

I'm wondering if he'll do it this year.

[Nathan45]

I will say the change in recruiting ads, and the general attitude Hegseth is portraying is a huge improvement so far. (And this is coming from someone who want the Army cut down in size, a lot, might as well improve quality while we are at it)

[Pdf27]

I do wonder if he understands why the US won wars. Makes for great photo ops and warm fuzzy feelings for those who value performative masculinity, but ultimately the bureaucracy to ensure you can deliver a shedload of artillery in the right place at the right time is why the US wins. That's also his job - he's meant to be an administrator not a leader.

Still, at least he isn't anything like as bad as those Russian recruitment ads from a few years ago...

[jemhouston]

I'm hoping he makes a push to improve base housing and support services.

[MikeKozlowski]

...A quick update - everyone was assuming that Throk was a senior NCO. Turns out he's the det CO.

Mike

[jemhouston]

...A quick update - everyone was assuming that Throk was a senior NCO. Turns out he's the det CO.

Mike

He doesn't smash; he tells others what to smash.