The U.S. military has historically been an engine for cultural and social change in America. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's vision for the armed forces he leads runs counter to that. In comments Tuesday to hundreds military leaders and their chief enlisted advisers, Hegseth made clear he wasn't interested in a diverse or inclusive force. Hegseth has taken on any program that can be labeled diversity, equity or inclusion, as well as targeting transgender personnel. Hegseth's actions — and plans for more — are a reversal of the role the American military has often played.