Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon, turning to scripture and saying America’s military must recognize faith and spiritual readiness.

Speaking during his “State of the Force” address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth told military leaders that advanced weapons, new bases and stronger training programs are not enough without what he called “the most essential component of our Republic” — faith.

“Our department therefore has a sacred duty — first-class religious support wherever we send our warriors,” Hegseth said.

The new Office of Religious Affairs will report directly to Hegseth and is intended to strengthen support for military chaplains and service members. It will also have the authority to advocate for chaplain budgets, religious infrastructure and other resources.

He argued that previous policies had allowed “political correctness” and “secular humanism” to weaken the military’s religious support system.

“Budgets were cut. Resourcing and manpower needs were ignored. Base chapels fell apart,” Hegseth said. “Decisions about faith and religion were made by secular careerists in cubicles and lawyers running around with red tape.”

“That ends now,” he declared.

Hegseth then quoted Psalm 33:12: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”

He connected the new initiative to the military’s long history of chaplaincy, noting that the Continental Congress established the Chaplain Corps in 1775.

“Our department is, you might say, putting on the full armor of God,” Hegseth said. “Because while we wage physical war, we all know the real battle is spiritual. God is good. Evil is not. America’s military must understand the difference.”

He also delivered a direct message to military chaplains: “Live your calling. Stand firm. Preach Truth. Minister to the flock. Fear no man.”

The announcement quickly drew criticism from secular organizations and some lawmakers. They argued that Hegseth is giving Christianity an improper role within the military.

Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, accused Hegseth of undermining the separation of church and state. Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, similarly argued that the new office “elevates Christianity to an even higher role in shaping U.S. military policy.”

Supporters, however, say the office can strengthen religious liberty by ensuring that chaplains and service members of different faiths receive adequate support.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services welcomed the move, saying it hopes the office “will enhance and strengthen the support offered to the men, women and their families who serve in the military and to the chaplain corps.”

The archdiocese also praised the emphasis on spiritual readiness. It said giving religious affairs greater access to senior leadership could help resolve longstanding obstacles facing military chaplains.

For Hegseth, the message was clear: spiritual readiness should stand alongside physical and military preparedness as a priority for America’s armed forces.