THE PENTAGON is in chaos. Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defence, is accused of mishandling classified information. Many of his aides have been fired over alleged leaks (accusations they deny). Top generals have been dismissed for no discernible reason beyond their colour or sex. The department is in “a full-blown meltdown”, says John Ullyot, a Hegseth loyalist who served as chief spokesman until April. Yet Mr Hegseth is pressing ahead with reforms that will change the size, shape and purpose of America’s armed forces.
