“You are not civilians. You are set apart for a distinct purpose.” That line didn’t drift across the packed room at Quantico; it hit like a challenge coin thrown on the table. War Secretary Pete Hegseth didn’t come to soothe egos or manage optics. He came to draw a line. Military leaders would be responsible for identity, increasing standards, and real accountability. Agree or disagree with his politics, the speech demanded something every military professional should recognize and welcome: