Pentagon Chief: US Must Be Ready for War

The head of the Pentagon made a sharp statement about the necessity of the United States being ready for war. Speaking to journalists, he said pacifism is a dangerous and naive position in today’s world, and that the country’s defense preparedness must remain a priority. According to him, if “our enemies act foolishly and decide to challenge us,” the US will respond with the “brutality, precision, and ferocity” of its armed forces.

His address emphasized that the primary mission of the military remains protecting peace through deterrence. The Defense Department plans to maintain and develop the potential necessary to counter any threats, including modernization of weapons, exercises, and strengthening alliances. The Pentagon chief noted that the US has “the strongest, deadliest, and most prepared military on the planet,” which enables it to ensure collective security and stability for its partners.

Possession of advanced weapons and technological systems, he said, must be combined with a clear deterrence policy: demonstrating capabilities is intended to deter potential adversaries and prevent escalation. At the same time, the secretary acknowledged that militarization is not an end in itself, and that dialogue and diplomacy remain important tools in managing international risks. However, in the event of a real threat, decisions will be made swiftly and resolutely.

The Pentagon chief’s remarks came during a period of heightened international tensions in several regions. The administration is focusing on strengthening NATO allies and intensively working with partners in the Asia-Pacific region. In these conditions, readiness to use force is viewed as an element of a strategy aimed at preventing conflicts by showing the willingness to defend interests and partners.

Critics of the statement pointed out the risks of escalating militaristic rhetoric. Opponents argued that the emphasis on “brutality” and “ferocity” could heighten international tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts. Experts warned that such wording is perceived as provocative and could trigger countermeasures from parties who feel threatened. They also stressed the importance of upholding international law and minimizing civilian casualties in operations.

Supporters of the Pentagon chief’s stance responded that tough rhetoric is necessary to maintain deterrence. In their view, demonstrating determination and strength reduces the likelihood of miscalculations and reckless actions by hostile actors. They recall historical examples where lenient policies toward aggressors led to the expansion of conflicts.

Regardless of the assessments, the statement reflects the current strategy of the defense department: preserving technological superiority, readiness to act in different theaters, and active engagement with allies. Congress and military committees will review budget requests in the coming months related to weapons modernization, training exercises, as well as support programs for partners and strengthening infrastructure.

At home, debate continues: society is divided between a pragmatic position supporting strengthening the military for security and concerns about militarization of foreign policy and potential growth of authoritarian practices under the pretext of ensuring safety. Politicians promise to maintain a balance between diplomacy and defense, but amid growing threats, the role of force in international politics is again becoming a central issue.

The defense secretary concluded his speech with a call for unity and readiness: in his words, the armed forces must maintain a high level of preparedness, continuously improve technology, and work closely with partners. He emphasized that peace is preserved not only through negotiations, but also through demonstrating the ability to repel aggression — and that this is why the United States must always be ready for war in order to preserve peace. That is a fact.

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