Hegseth Announces a Four-Star Autonomous Warfare Command and a Musk-Led Future-War Panel
The 'State of the Force' address also unveiled a new base for up to 25,000 troops, an Office of Religious Affairs and cuts of 20% of general and admiral posts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for a new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command on Wednesday, part of a "State of the Force" address to senior officers at Quantico that also created a 120-day future-warfare study led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich.
The Autonomous Warfare Command is to become a four-star functional combatant command by October 1, 2027. It will build autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint force, which Hegseth called the fastest peacetime shift in modern history. It will initially be led by Owen West, the director of the Defense Innovation Unit, and Navy SEAL Senior Chief Max Strasiser. Budget and staffing have not been specified.
Hegseth tied the move to the war in Ukraine. "Ukraine's lesson is not that one type of drone wins wars, but rather the need for a purpose-built system that maximizes the ability to adapt," he said.
Project Meridian will run for 120 days to identify the technologies that could give the United States an edge in future conflicts, from underground environments to space. Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael will facilitate. It will produce an unclassified report and a classified annex.
Hegseth also announced "America's Corps of Cadets," which brings Louisiana State, Liberty, Tuskegee, Mississippi State and Hillsdale College into a program with new designations such as "Distinguished Military College" and "Honor School." He announced FORTRESS America, an effort to give bases independent power, reshore supplies of rare earths, semiconductors and specialty metals, and hold larger munitions reserves.
A "Next Great American Base" would house 15,000 to 25,000 service members, with its own power supply, autonomous systems, advanced air defenses and classical architecture. States will submit competing bids to host it. Cost and timeline have not been set. A new Office of Religious Affairs will report directly to the defense secretary and advocate for chaplaincies, with the promise that it will not compel participation or favor any faith.
Hegseth also said he will cut 20 percent of general and admiral positions, doubling the previous reduction target, a plan Planck Standard reported earlier this week.
Critics noted that Musk, whose companies hold Pentagon contracts, will co-direct a panel that shapes how the department spends on new technology. Supporters say outside builders are needed to move at the speed the drone war has shown. Congress will have to decide whether to fund a new combatant command, which requires coordination with the White House and lawmakers.
