President-Elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense has sparked predictable criticism, largely centered on claims of inexperience and unpreparedness — entirely from the experts who have been wrong about everything in the defense and foreign policy realm for the past 20 years.

Yet a careful review of Hegseth’s background, paired with historical context and the challenges facing the Department of Defense, demonstrates that he is not only qualified but also uniquely positioned to lead in a time when bold, reform-minded leadership is desperately needed.

Hegseth’s critics often argue that he lacks the management credentials traditionally associated with the role of secretary of defense. However, this perspective fails to recognize the multidimensional nature of Hegseth’s career. Over 21 years of service in the Army and Army National Guard, he demonstrated battlefield leadership, earning two Bronze Stars for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. His hands-on command experience, involving decisions in life-and-death situations, surpasses the theoretical and left-leaning academic military knowledge that some past secretaries brought to the role.

Additionally, Hegseth’s executive leadership as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America provides a critical counterpoint to claims of........

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