"The Woke Era is Over" – Sec. of War Hegseth’s Fiery West Point Speech

The US military is undergoing a major tactical and cultural shift. Watch the full graduation and commissioning ceremony for the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Class of 2026. This historic event features traditional military proceedings, the conferring of diplomas to 998 new Second Lieutenants, and a powerful commencement address by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. In a forceful speech, Secretary Hegseth urges the graduates to lead a "snapback" in the US armed forces—demanding a return to strict discipline, meritocracy, and combat lethality while explicitly rejecting political correctness and DEI initiatives. Key Timestamps 00:09 – 13:27: Introduction and recognition of the Class of 1976 (the 50-year affiliate class), who present commemorative Second Lieutenant bars to the graduating cadets. 28:59 – 36:29: The official party and distinguished guests arrive, including political representatives and academy leadership. 39:13: The USMA Chaplain delivers the invocation. 42:19: Lieutenant General Stephen Gillen, the 61st Superintendent of the Academy, gives his opening remarks, praising the class for their grit and reminding them of their obligations as new leaders. 49:51 – 01:16:39: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers the commencement address. He discusses the current geopolitical stakes, calls for an end to what he describes as the "slow slide" of the US Army into "woke" ideology, and challenges the new officers to prioritize combat readiness and unity above all else. 01:17:08: The Class President presents a cadet saber to the Secretary of War as the traditional class gift. 01:18:05: The assembly sings "The Corps," a cherished West Point musical tradition. 01:21:06 – 02:14:32: Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the Academic Board, recommends the class for their degrees, followed by the presentation of diplomas to the 998 graduates. 02:16:53: Brigadier General RJ Garcia, Commandant of Cadets, administers the Oath of Office to the graduates. 02:20:18: Father Matt Pawlikowski delivers the closing benediction. 02:22:24: The class is officially dismissed, culminating in the traditional hat toss. 🕒 Key Moments & Timestamps: 00:00 - Ceremony Start 00:09 - Recognition of the Class of 1976 (50-year affiliate class) & Lieutenant Bars Presentation 28:59 - Arrival of the Official Party & Distinguished Guests 39:13 - USMA Chaplain Invocation 42:19 - Opening Remarks by Lt. Gen. Stephen Gillen (61st Superintendent) 49:51 - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Commencement Address ("The Snapback") 01:17:08 - Class President Presents Cadet Saber to the Secretary of War 01:18:05 - The Assembly Sings "The Corps" 01:21:06 - Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves Recommends Degrees & Diploma Presentation 02:16:53 - Brig. Gen. RJ Garcia Administers the Oath of Office 02:20:18 - Closing Benediction by Father Matt Pawlikowski 02:22:24 - Official Dismissal & Traditional Hat Toss West Point Graduation 2026, Pete Hegseth Speech, Pete Hegseth West Point, US Military Academy, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Class of 2026, US Army, Defense Now,military snapback, US Army readiness, West Point commencement address, Second Lieutenant commissioning, USMA graduation, military lethality, woke military debate, DEI in the military, United States Military Academy, Army Oath of Office, West Point Hat Toss #PeteHegseth #WestPoint #USMilitaryAcademy #ClassOf2026 #DefenseNow #USArmy #MilitaryNews Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @defensenow   Defense Now | May 2026    • DN May 2026   ⬇️ Support Defense Now! ⬇️ Your #1 Source for Military Videos & News :) All About Only Military Stuff! 👍 Don't forget to LIKE this video! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & hit the bell so you never miss an update:    / defensenow   Members-only videos    • Members-only videos   [Copyright / Source Disclaimer] Welcome to the official Defense Now channel on YouTube. Defense Now is an independent, educational, and documentary military channel devoted to armed forces, national security policy, and military technologies. All the content on the channel is STRICTLY for informational, documentary, and historical purposes! The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Please keep the comments section respectful; any spam, insults, or trolling will be deleted. Hegseth Speaks at U.S. Military Academy Graduation.  Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers the commencement address to the 2026 graduating class of the U.S. Military Academy during a ceremony at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y., May 23, 2026." Film Credits: Department of War