U.S. Defense Department Renamed as Department of War
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson announced in the department’s Weekly Sitrep video.
Wilson described the decision as essential. According to her, the new name highlights the department’s central mission: to project power, protect the homeland, and win wars with unmatched global strength.
The War Department was first established in 1789 under President George Washington. It carried that name for more than 150 years. In 1947, it merged with the Navy and the newly created Air Force to form the National Military Establishment. However, because its acronym “NME” sounded like “enemy,” leaders changed the title to the Department of Defense less than two years later.
“Defense alone is not enough; we must be ready to strike and dominate,” Wilson said.
Hegseth Welcomes New Army Officers
On Sept. 3, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke at the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School graduation at Fort Benning, Georgia. He told the new officers that the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in their service.
“You will lead the finest soldiers in the greatest Army the world has ever known,” Hegseth said. “Our nation needs you—go serve and go fight.”
During his visit, Hegseth also met drill sergeants, spoke with airborne trainees, and visited soldiers from the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Space Command to Relocate to Alabama
Earlier in the week, Hegseth joined President Trump to announce that U.S. Space Command will relocate from Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
“This move restores Space Command to where it belongs and will keep America ahead in the space race,” Hegseth said.
Wilson added that the relocation will not only strengthen military operations but also improve the quality of life for service members and their families.
Narco-Terrorists Neutralized in Caribbean Strike
On Sept. 2, U.S. Southern Command launched a precision strike in the Caribbean Sea against members of the Tren de Aragua narco-terrorist group. The operation killed eleven militants.
The next day, Hegseth warned that the United States would no longer tolerate drug trafficking in the region. He also rejected claims from Venezuelan officials that the strike footage was artificially generated.
“I watched it live. It was not artificial intelligence,” he said.
Wilson emphasized that the strike served as a direct warning to anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States.
Reinstatement of Former Service Members
This week, the department also held a listening session for former service members who had been dismissed under the now-ended COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Wilson confirmed that the department is giving reinstatement cases top priority. She said officials are developing solutions to bring these warfighters back into service as soon as possible.
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