Pete Hegseth’s New Field Manual: What does Pete Hegseth's 144-page military manual reveal about his vision for U.S. forces?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given U.S. service members a 144-page “field manual” that includes transcripts of his own speeches and a message from President Donald Trump about avoiding what he calls “dumb Wars.”

The manual was handed to roughly 600 troops attending Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Wednesday, according to ABC News’ Steven Beynon.

The booklet also comes as Hegseth announces another round of changes at the Pentagon, including plans to cut 20% of positions for generals and admirals, as per a report by The Independent.

What is inside Hegseth’s field manual?

A large part of the manual focuses on Hegseth’s own words.

It includes the transcript of his September 2025 speech about restoring what he called the “warrior ethos.” During that address, Hegseth said: “Good morning and welcome to the War Department. Because the era of the Department of Defense is over.”

The manual also contains his January 2026 speech on “technological dominance.” In that speech, he praised Elon Musk and SpaceX, calling them “a testament to the strength of American ingenuity.”

At the front of the book is a forward written by Trump. Its message focuses on preparing for war while promising that U.S. troops will not be sent into what he described as unnecessary conflicts.

“Our goal is PEACE, which is why we prepare for War — Especially the Wars of the future,” the forward states, according to Beynon.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I will not ask you to fight dumb Wars,” it continues. “I will unleash you to be violent, lethal and unstoppable — and I will always have your back. Godspeed, Great Warriors. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Hegseth announces major military changes

During his Wednesday address, Hegseth outlined several changes planned for the Pentagon. He said the military will cut 20 percent of its admirals and generals and called on Congress to provide more funding.

“President Trump has promised a generational investment in the War Department, and we're going to deliver,” Hegseth said.

The planned reduction in senior officer positions doubles the 10% cut Hegseth ordered last year, according to ABC News.

Hegseth also used the speech to criticize American journalists over their coverage of the Iran war, which he said has continued for nearly seven months without a clear end.

“Allow me to lay it out simply for the anti-American losers in our media,” Hegseth said. “As you know, the information space, it's a battle space. Yet our so-called press makes Iranian state media look reasonable.”

He also criticized diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“The ideological clowns are out,” he added. “The patriotic cowboys are in, with testosterone testing on top. Diversity is not our strength.”

The field manual, along with Hegseth’s latest Pentagon changes, gives troops a written collection of the message he has delivered during his time leading the department. The manual was distributed at the same event where he laid out his plans for the military’s next year.

FAQs

What is in Hegseth’s field manual?
It contains transcripts of Hegseth’s speeches and a forward from Trump.

What did Trump say about “dumb Wars”?
Trump wrote that he would not ask U.S. troops to fight “dumb Wars.”