Pete Hegseth Did PT with Special Forces—Cool, But Let’s See Him on the Rifle Range

Look, it’s great that Pete Hegseth got down and dirty with the troops, lifting weights and knocking out pushups like he’s training for a CrossFit recruitment video. Watching a Defense Secretary actually break a sweat alongside soldiers is refreshing—way better than the usual photo-op of some suited-up bureaucrat awkwardly shaking hands with troops before retreating to a catered lunch. But while the deadlifts and high-fives are nice, let’s talk about what really matters in war: marksmanship.

If Hegseth really wants to impress, I want to see him at the rifle range. Because, let’s be real—once an officer makes it high enough in rank, they avoid the range like it’s an unvaccinated barracks during flu season. The higher the rank, the greater the fear of being exposed for what they truly are: out of practice, rusty, and praying no one watches them struggle through a qualifying round. Some of these guys would rather get a root canal than go prone and squeeze off a tight shot group under pressure.

That’s where Hegseth could really set himself apart. Imagine the message it would send if, after all that physical training, he stepped up, grabbed an M4, and showed that fitness is only part of the equation. Because here’s a truth as old as warfare itself: wars aren’t won by who can do the most burpees. They’re won by the people who can place accurate rounds on target while still having enough stamina to fight another day. Strength matters, but accuracy is the difference between a warrior and a well-conditioned track star.

I’d love to see Hegseth make rifle marksmanship as much of a priority as physical training. Make it part of the culture again. Make every officer qualify alongside their troops—no more hiding behind PowerPoint briefings and excuses about “a full schedule.” If you’re leading the military, you should be able to hit a target at least as well as the private you’re commanding. If our troops are expected to be warriors, their leaders should prove they’re still in the fight, too.

So, Pete, great job on the PT. Love the enthusiasm. But let’s get you to the range, load some magazines, and see what you can do with a rifle. If you can shoot as well as you squat, then you might just be the most dangerous Defense Secretary we’ve had in years—and that’s a good thing.

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