Culture-war push jeopardizes Army modernization amid leadership shakeup

CNN reports, citing multiple sources, that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s culture-war focus is hindering Army modernization by firing or sidelining senior leaders, creating turbulence as the service tries to adapt to modern warfare with drones. The resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amplifies concerns about leadership gaps, with high-ranking officers like Donahue, Hodne, and George exiting, while acting Chief of Staff Gen. LaNeve rises amid questions about readiness and reform. Officials defended modernization as a Pentagon-wide goal, but critics say the purge undercuts efforts to transform the force.