Pete Hegseth has put the military academies on a 30-day notice to ensure that their admissions are based purely on merit starting in 2026. The U.S. military service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy will need to disregard race, ethnicity, or sex in their admissions processes. Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that this directive is part of a larger initiative to ensure fairness and meritocracy throughout the armed forces.
This decision comes on the heels of a significant Supreme Court ruling in 2023. In the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard case, the Court struck down race-based admissions policies but left a window open for military academies. Chief Justice John Roberts acknowledged that military institutions might have unique considerations, but Hegseth’s memo clearly aims to eliminate any ambiguity.
Advocacy groups like Students for Fair Admissions have been vocal about eliminating race-based admissions at these academies. Despite their efforts, legal battles have yet to prevent the service academies from using race as a factor. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court decided against an injunction that challenged West Point’s admissions policy, keeping race-based admissions intact for the time being.
Hegseth’s directive sidesteps the need for further court interventions by directly eliminating affirmative action within the military academies. He strongly believes that a merit-based approach ensures the most qualified individuals are trained and ready to lead. “Selecting anyone but the best erodes lethality, our warfighting readiness, and undercuts the culture of excellence in our Armed Forces,” he stated in his memo.
The defense secretary also mentioned that the academies could consider factors like athletic talent, prior military service, and performance at preparatory schools as part of their merit-based system. This approach aims to maintain a diverse and capable group of future military leaders. By focusing on individual achievements, the academies can continue to cultivate top-tier talent.
Back in March, the Naval Academy took the lead by announcing that race would no longer play a role in its admissions process. Following this, both the Military Academy and the Air Force Academy declared similar intentions in April. These decisions were made while they sought relief from ongoing legal challenges initiated by advocacy groups.
Supporters of Hegseth’s order argue that it strengthens the armed forces by prioritizing skills and accomplishments above all else. Conservative news outlets like Fox News and Newsmax have praised the move as a step toward equality and efficiency. By removing race as a factor, proponents believe the military will better reflect a true meritocracy.
Critics, however, fear that this change might overlook the benefits of diversity in shaping well-rounded military leaders. They argue that diverse backgrounds contribute to a broader range of perspectives, which can be invaluable in strategic decision-making. Despite these concerns, Hegseth remains steadfast in his belief that merit should be the sole criterion.
This policy shift aligns with a broader conservative push for merit-based systems across various sectors. Advocates argue that such systems promote fairness and excellence by ensuring that opportunities go to the most deserving individuals. In their view, this approach strengthens institutions by fostering a culture of competence and hard work.
While the debate around affirmative action continues, Hegseth’s order marks a decisive moment for military academy admissions. His stance is clear: the armed forces should be led by the best and brightest, regardless of race or gender. As the academies prepare to implement these changes, the focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of military readiness.
The move has sparked discussions about the future of affirmative action in other areas of public life. Observers are closely watching how these changes will impact the composition and effectiveness of future military leaders. While the debate is far from over, Hegseth’s directive is a significant step in a long-standing conversation about equality and merit in America.