US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a major reform that significantly narrows the ability of military personnel to challenge command actions in cases of “toxic” leadership, discrimination, sexual harassment, or mistreatment. The changes come as the Pentagon chief loosens rules on how senior officers can treat enlisted personnel without jeopardizing their careers, including a review of what constitutes bullying. Hegset himself said that these steps “will enable leaders to enforce standards without fear of retribution or doubt.”“(The Inspector General. No more fraying at the seams,” the Pentagon chief added . They are part of a campaign to purge positions that, in the opinion of the Pentagon chief, distract the military from its primary combat mission.