Retired General Ben Hodges Critiques Defense Secretary’s Remarks

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges expressed strong criticism of remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during an interview on “Face the Nation” aired on October 5, 2025. Speaking from Germany, Hodges, who previously commanded the U.S. Army in Europe, challenged the notion that military fitness standards should be adjusted to a male norm and questioned the implications of Hegseth’s directives regarding rules of engagement.

Hodges labeled the suggestion that women soldiers are held to lower fitness standards as “unnecessary,” noting his extensive experience of 38 years in the Army. He stated, “I never had a case where a female soldier was not able to do what she had to do,” emphasizing that modern battlefield requirements demand competence from all soldiers, regardless of gender.

The interview also addressed Hegseth’s controversial comments regarding rules of engagement. The Secretary stated at Quantico that military personnel should not be hindered by “politically correct” restrictions, advocating instead for “maximum lethality” in combat. Hodges countered this perspective by emphasizing that success in military missions, particularly in complex environments like Afghanistan, depends on protecting civilians and fostering stability, rather than simply increasing enemy casualties.

“The rules of engagement are not ‘politically correct’,” Hodges asserted. He argued that they are essential for achieving mission objectives, which often involve safeguarding non-combatants and ensuring long-term peace. He highlighted the danger of adopting a mindset that disregards international law, warning that such an approach could damage both military effectiveness and the trust of the American public and allies.

Hodges also challenged Hegseth’s reference to the Geneva Conventions, stating that these rules were established to protect innocent lives. He remarked, “I don’t think anybody would say that Dwight Eisenhower was woke,” referencing the historical context in which the conventions were created in 1949. Hodges argued that these principles remain vital today, particularly in counter-terrorism operations where the focus should be on winning the support of local populations, not indiscriminate violence.

In response to Hegseth’s comments about “killing people and breaking things,” Hodges stressed the importance of clear political objectives in military actions. He noted that effective military strategy does not equate to unbounded violence, but rather to fulfilling assigned missions in a manner that protects both civilians and soldiers.

The discussion also touched on Hegseth’s recent actions of dismissing senior military lawyers, which raised concerns about the legal oversight of military operations. Hodges affirmed that U.S. military personnel are committed to executing lawful orders and that legal guidance is crucial in complex situations. He added that no soldier desires to resort to force against their fellow citizens.

In closing, Hodges reiterated the importance of maintaining a principled approach to military engagement, advocating for methods that uphold international law and ethical standards. His insights reflect ongoing debates within the military community regarding the balance between operational effectiveness and adherence to established legal norms.