Hegseth Speaks to Cadets Ahead of Air Force, Navy Football Game

View Online Hegseth Speaks to Cadets Ahead of Air Force, Navy Football Game Oct. 3, 2026 |  By Matthew Olay Secretary of War Pete Hegseth traveled to the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado, today, where he addressed roughly 3,500 members of the school's cadet wing ahead of the annual Air Force vs. Naval Academy collegiate football game. The visit was part of Hegseth's "Send Me Tour," a military outreach and recruitment initiative aimed at connecting Hegseth directly with military units, Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs, university cadets and veteran resource centers across the United States.   Early in his remarks, Hegseth praised the cadets for volunteering to serve their country — something he pointed out puts them in an elite status as Americans.  "The idea that, across generations — for 251 years — our republic has required the absolute best of us to stand up and say, 'Send me,' and to end with, 'So help me God, up to and including the price of my life, serving something greater than myself.' … That's a perspective 99% of Americans do not have," Hegseth told the cadets. Calling those who choose to serve in the military "the real 1%" of society, Hegseth said the Send Me Tour was created to showcase their service.  "We're out here to showcase you and make sure America understands the depth of your sacrifice, which of course is on full display," Hegseth said, before listing U.S. military successes over the past year, including Operation Midnight Hammer in Iraq and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.  Stating that it is critical that the U.S. military be able to counter adversaries who are building their own capabilities, Hegseth then went over the six strategic initiatives that he announced Sept. 30 during his State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia:   Autonomous Warfare Command, a planned four-star combatant command designed to scale autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint force.   Project Meridian, an effort to identify emerging technologies and capabilities needed for future warfare.   FORTRESS America, a program aimed at strengthening military installations, increasing energy independence and bringing critical defense supply chains back to the United States.  The Next Great American Base, a project to establish a new state-of-the-art military installation in the United States.  America's Corps of Cadets, an initiative to expand the pipeline of military officers through senior military colleges.  The Office of Religious Affairs, established to strengthen spiritual readiness and give military chaplains greater access to senior department leadership.   Hegseth concluded his remarks by discussing what he calls the War Department's "Golden Rule": "Do unto [one's military] formations that which [one] would have done unto [one's] son or daughter's formations."  "So that, when the bullets are flying … you know — on your left and right — you have the most capable human beings to have your back inside your formations. That's what you deserve; that's what your parents expect of you; that's what I expect for my kids; and that's what we should expect across the entire War Department," Hegseth said.  "So, thank you for what you're doing. You have raised your hand to say, 'Send me.'"   The visit marked the second stop on the secretary's Send Me Tour, with Hegseth having kicked the tour off with a visit to Texas A&M University's corps of cadets Sept. 19.

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Secretary of War Flag Officer Announcements for Oct. 2, 2026

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE Secretary of War Flag Officer Announcements for Oct. 2, 2026 Oct. 2, 2026 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations: Navy Vice Adm. John B. Skillman for appointment to the grade of admiral, with assignment as vice chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Skillman is currently serving as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Navy Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Nicholson is currently serving as commander, Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Navy Rear Adm. Benjamin G. Reynolds for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Reynolds is currently serving as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Budget/Director, Fiscal Management Division, N82, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

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Secretary of War Hegseth to Visit Colorado Springs for Send Me Tour

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE Secretary of War Hegseth to Visit Colorado Springs for Send Me Tour Oct. 2, 2026 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will travel tomorrow to Colorado Springs, CO, as part of the Send Me Tour. Secretary Hegseth will deliver an address to 3,500 cadets and will also administer the oath of enlistment to new recruits at the Air Force vs. Navy game.

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