Tattoos, axe-throwing and a penchant for President Trump’s unconventional politics, the man set to take charge of the Pentagon is a character cut from a different cloth than the expected military brass. Amid the presidential transitions, Trump’s new selection for defense chief is causing quite the stir. Among the president-elect’s latest round of cabinet picks, one stands out: the heavily tattooed, axe-throwing, 44-year-old veteran who brings with him a track record that many find concerning.
At first glance, it’s easy to overlook his controversial standing that stems from his lack of the typical experience expected for a Pentagon leader. Having served in the National Guard in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, where he worked his way up to the rank of major, might not stand as an awe-inspiring military record. However, his climb through the ranks was marked by a distinct haziness around conventions and regulations, setting him apart from his predecessors.
Despite not having participated in the high collectives of military leadership, his alleged role in reshaping defence policies cannot be ignored. What Government insiders have applauded is his steadfast loyalty to Trump – an attribute that serves well in the current political climate.
His maverick persona is well-documented, bolstered by claims of not washing hands in ten years and dismissing ‘germs’ as fictitious. This kind of unconventional, some may say rebellious, thinking extends to his stance on US military policies. He has been known to have publicly critiqued the decried ‘wokeness’ in the U.S. military’s diversity and equality policies, making his skepticism of liberal society norms abundantly clear.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of his career has been his involvement in the pardoning of three soldiers accused of war crimes in Iraq. The allegations against them were severe, percolating through international human rights organizations and met with widespread outrage. His impassioned defence of the soldiers and subsequent personal plea to Trump resulted in them being pardoned – an act that sent shockwaves around the globe and further cementing his allegiances in the political landscape.
The selection of such a divisive figure has stirred debates across America, with some looking upon his appointment with trepidation and others with applause. While his unconventional approach has alarmed many traditionalists, others perceive him as a breath of fresh air in a system mired by bureaucracy.
His appointment looms as an imminent trajectory departure for the Pentagon. What is certain is that his tenure will shake up the norm, arguably reflecting the maverick politics touted by Trump himself. However, his lack of conventional military leadership experience and his seemingly dismissive outlook on particular policies have attracted much-publicized wariness.
As it stands, this tattooed, axe-throwing maverick is all set to shape the Pentagon’s future. Regardless of what happens, his appointment is a fitting reflection of the unconventional and unpredictable nature of Trump’s presidency. As his reign looms imminent, it seems that the U.S military landscape is on the brink of a major overhaul with his arrival. What that will look like, only time will reveal.
