Adm. Daryl Caudle's rise to 34th chief of naval operations illustrates how Pete Hegseth has reshaped Pentagon leadership. Before Hegseth was sworn in, Caudle—then head of a major Navy training command—offered to help prepare for his confirmation hearing, a breach of military ethics prohibiting partisan activity.

Days after taking office, Hegseth fired Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy. A senior officer on Caudle's staff then pitched him as "no one more in line" with Hegseth's vision to remove "woke barriers." Despite not being on the Navy's recommended list of three candidates, Hegseth selected Caudle, asking "Where's Caudle?" when reviewing the list.

Caudle's promotion required resolving an inspector general investigation into remarks he made about the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. Sailors recalled him suggesting victims bore responsibility for risky behavior. Caudle hired Timothy Parlatore—Hegseth's personal lawyer and new "special adviser"—who had previously recommended Caudle. The investigation found allegations unsubstantiated.

Since taking office 18 months ago, Hegseth has fired or sidelined more than two dozen senior officers and removed about 40 from promotion lists, calling it necessary to root out "radical ideologues." Critics view Caudle's path as evidence of politicization and favoritism replacing traditional merit-based promotion processes.