'The War on Warriors' by a military veteran remains on the NY Times bestseller list for several weeks.

Pete Hegseth of 'Fox & Friends Weekend' discusses the 'overwhelming' response he has received from military personnel to his book.

'The War on Warriors' by a military veteran remains on the NY Times bestseller list for several weeks.
'The War on Warriors' by a military veteran remains on the NY Times bestseller list for several weeks.

Pete Hegseth's "The War on Warriors" has been on the New York Times bestseller list for six consecutive weeks, with the book occupying the No. 3 position for the week beginning July 28, 2024.

Currently, the book is ranked first in the military policy category and second in political commentary and opinion on Amazon.

The book "Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free" was published by Planet Chronicle Books and is co-hosted by Hegseth on "Fox & Friends Weekend."

On Friday afternoon, Hegseth spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about his book, stating that while the attention it has received is humbling, it's not entirely surprising to him due to the widespread concern he's heard from the military community about recent changes.

He spent many weekends on the phone with guys currently serving, having dozens of back-to-back conversations with them off the record and anonymously while writing the book.

Pete Hegseth and book
Pete Hegseth is the author of "The War on Warriors," an instant bestseller since its publication in early June. The book continues to attract new attention and readers as it calls out today's problems in America's military.  (Getty Images; Planet Chronicle)

Hegseth spoke with privates, corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, and colonels from various branches. Each of them had a unique story, but they all sounded similar.

These guys aren't partisans, they said the military has changed today.

"People have said, ‘Thank you for writing what I experienced.'"

"Numerous individuals expressed concerns about political influence, accountability, and lowered standards, stating that they felt like they were walking on eggshells."

In his book, Hegseth makes strong arguments and does not back down. His writing is direct, and he knew that if he were to say anything out of touch with reality, he would receive criticism from the veteran and military community.

The response from the community, he stated, has been "overwhelming."

Pete Hegseth on "Fox & Friends"
Hegseth told Planet Chronicle Digital, "This is probably the first book where somebody wrote it down. A guy who has been there wrote it down, understands what people are going through in the military, and can help lay it out" for others. "The War on Warriors" (Planet Chronicle Books) has been a bestseller since its publication in early June 2024.  (Fox & Friends/Screengrab)

"The military has undergone changes, as people have expressed gratitude for documenting their personal experiences, including those of their son, father, and entire family."

The sad part is that our military has a problem, and this is the first book to address it. A veteran who has experienced it firsthand wrote it down and can help explain the challenges faced by military personnel.

"The big difference doesn't show up all the time. It doesn't show up in the classrooms. It doesn't show up on the spreadsheets. But it shows up in the moment."

Hegseth discussed with Planet Chronicle Digital the current state of the military under the current administration and shared his opinions on related issues.

Can you identify any parallels between the military operations you describe in your book and the Secret Service's actions on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, considering the ongoing investigation into the security breach involving former President Donald Trump?

Pete Hegseth: It's not an exact comparison, but it's quite similar.

Despite not being qualified for the role, the political director was chosen due to political considerations. Following the appointment, many are left wondering how this could have occurred.

Pete Hegseth book
Pete Hegseth's book "The War on Warriors" highlights the military's shift toward leftist ideology. (Fox & Friends/Screengrab)

As you delve deeper, you discover that the Secret Service has a goal of having 30% women by 2030. You wonder how it is possible for such a small group of five-foot-seven females to protect a six-foot-three president. What other factors are at play here?

The Secret Service has different standards for men and women for the same position, resulting in less physically qualified candidates being hired, which is due to biological differences.

These organizations have attempted to disregard this issue as if it is insignificant, but anyone who has worn a uniform understands that there is a significant difference. This difference does not manifest itself in classrooms or spreadsheets, but it becomes apparent in the moment.

"This means you're getting less physically qualified people … it's just a reality of biology."

Those are the moments that reveal your vulnerabilities when you lack sufficient training.

Yes, there is a comparison being made, and the concerning aspect is that our military has not yet encountered the specific moment since many things have evolved. We must adjust our course before it happens.

Pete Hegseth and book
"You're seeing this massive dip in recruitment because you've got the traditional military families — those with a generational commitment to service — recommending to their kids, 'Don't do it. It's different.'" (Getty Images/Planet Chronicle)

Can you elaborate on your thoughts about the United States military going woke?

PH: It's a necessity that this problem is solved.

My latest book, "Battle for the American Mind," received positive feedback and inspired families to make immediate changes in their lifestyle, such as relocating, homeschooling their children, or making a decision that impacts their kids' education.

Now, families must decide whether to enlist or not enlist in the military.

The decline in recruitment is due to traditional military families, who have a long-standing commitment to service, advising their children not to join because the brotherhood, ethos, and training are no longer present, but the ideology remains.

If there is a significant gap in recruitment, it may result in poor decisions. There may be inadequate training and a decline in standards. To fill the ranks, governments may look beyond American citizens or resort to conscription.

"The Five": Pete Hegseth details his new book

If you don't feel a sense of patriotism or capability with those who share your values, there's no other option. Despite its primary responsibility to safeguard the interests, country, and people of the United States, the American military has also played a significant role in protecting freedom globally in the past century.

If we lose the current "freedom army" to social justice and politically correct ideologies, it may be challenging to recover, and my greatest concern is that it could be easily manipulated by politics.

The Constitution is at risk of being undermined, and the next commander-in-chief must restore it to its original standard of meritocracy. This is crucial because it is the last safeguard that keeps us free.

Planet Chronicle Digital: Are you surprised by your book's ongoing success?

The book has moved from its initial position of No. 1 to No. 3, and it seems to be gaining popularity among readers. People are buying it for themselves and recommending it to others. As someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can attest to its growing appeal, particularly among military families.

There is a desire among military and patriotic individuals to address the issue, which fills me with humility.

Thank you to all who have read it. It's not just about my journey and my service; it also incorporates the experiences of numerous others.

by Maureen Mackey

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