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Published Oct. 3, 2026 By Matthew Olay Pentagon News COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- Secretary of War Pete Hegseth traveled to the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado, Oct. 3, where he addressed roughly 3,500 members of the schools cadet wing ahead of the annual Air Force vs. Naval Academy collegiate football game. 21:06 Video Player 00:0000:00 | 00:00Captions / SubtitlesNoneEnglishUse Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume. VIDEO | 21:06 | Hegseth Addresses Cadet Wing at Air Force Academy The visit was part of Hegseths Send Me Tour, a military outreach and recruitment initiative aimed at connecting Hegseth directly with military units, Reserve Officers Training Corps programs, university cadets and veteran resource centers across the United States. Early in his remarks, Hegseth praised the cadets for volunteering to serve their country -- something he pointed out puts them in an elite status as Americans. The idea that, across generations -- for 251 years -- our republic has required the absolute best of us to stand up and say, Send me, and to end with, So help me God, up to and including the price of my life, serving something greater than myself. ... Thats a perspective 99% of Americans do not have, Hegseth told the cadets. Calling those who choose to serve in the military the real 1% of society, Hegseth said the Send Me Tour was created to showcase their service. Were out here to showcase you and make sure America understands the depth of your sacrifice, which of course is on full display, Hegseth said, before listing U.S. military successes over the past year, including Operation Midnight Hammer in Iran and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Stating that it is critical that the U.S. military be able to counter adversaries who are building their own capabilities, Hegseth then went over the six strategic initiatives that he announced Sept. 30 during his State of the Force address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia: Autonomous Warfare Command, a planned four-star combatant command designed to scale autonomous and robotic capabilities across the joint force. Project Meridian, an effort to identify emerging technologies and capabilities needed for future warfare. FORTRESS America, a program aimed at strengthening military installations, increasing energy independence and bringing critical defense supply chains back to the United States. The Next Great American Base, a project to establish a new state-of-the-art military installation in the United States. Americas Corps of Cadets, an initiative to expand the pipeline of military officers through senior military colleges. The Office of Religious Affairs, established to strengthen spiritual readiness and give military chaplains greater access to senior department leadership. Hegseth concluded his remarks by discussing what he calls the War Departments Golden Rule: Do unto [ones military] formations that which [one] would have done unto [ones] son or daughters formations. 10:22 Video Player 00:0000:00 | 00:00Captions / SubtitlesNoneEnglishUse Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume. VIDEO | 10:22 | Hegseth Speaks to Media So that, when the bullets are flying ... you know -- on your left and right -- you have the most capable human beings to have your back inside your formations. Thats what you deserve; thats what your parents expect of you; thats what I expect for my kids; and thats what we should expect across the entire War Department, Hegseth said. So, thank you for what youre doing. You have raised your hand to say, Send me. The visit marked the second stop on the secretarys Send Me Tour, with Hegseth having kicked the tour off with a visit to Texas A&M Universitys corps of cadets Sept. 19. U.S. Air Force Logo
