On a wet Saturday morning at the United States Military Academy, another class of cadets joined the Long Gray Line. This event brought back memories of my own graduation from West Point in 1973. I was watching in preparation for a television interview, but the commencement address had a deeper impact. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a speech that reminded graduates about God, duty, sacrifice, and war.

Pete Hegseth is no stranger to me. I met him when he was a young intern at the Family Research Council, where I served after my Pentagon career. He stood out as disciplined and deeply committed to his Christian faith. Later, he emerged as a notable television personality on Fox News and served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army National Guard. All these experiences gave him credibility with the 994 graduates that morning.

Unlike many speeches today, Hegseth’s address was candid. He focused on the verse from Isaiah 6:8: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? … Here am I! Send me.” This choice resonated with cadets who will soon be leading soldiers. Many will face deployments and the harsh realities of military life.

West Point has always been about preparing leaders of character. Founded in 1802, the academy’s graduates have been essential in every major conflict. The motto “Duty, Honor, Country” emphasizes sacrifice and leadership. My class faced post-Vietnam challenges. Today’s cadets encounter a world fraught with dangers, including the war in Ukraine and tensions over Taiwan. Rapid advances in military technology create new challenges without long periods of stability like those during the Cold War.

Hegseth’s speech tackled issues some avoid, including the focus on diversity over readiness. He praised the academy’s emphasis on merit, reminding graduates of the military’s purpose to win wars. He stressed the need for moral clarity, essential when decisions must be made with incomplete information and great responsibility.

Hegseth shared personal sentiments as well, speaking of his children and the pride he would feel if one of them answered the call to serve. This reflects the continuity of service at West Point. Every generation faces different challenges, but the commitment to selfless service remains constant. As technology reshapes warfare, leaders must have moral judgment, which cannot be replaced by machines.

The graduates of today face a complex future with technology and warfare evolving rapidly. America needs leaders who understand the weight of command and the moral responsibilities that come with it. These are attributes grounded in character, shaped by honest reflection on service and sacrifice.