Politics news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Hegseth Revives WW2 Era Clandestine Office For Special Forces
Pete Hegseth has elevated and renamed the Pentagon office responsible for special operations and low-intensity conflict, reviving the name of the Second World War-era Office of Strategic Services. The change is intended to give special operations forces greater influence, resources and coordination within the department as the administration gives them a higher priority.
The restructured office will receive at least $45 million a year in reallocated funding, 100 dedicated military and civilian posts, and broader purchasing powers. The Pentagon is also seeking legislation to create a permanent Under Secretary of Strategic Services, a role that would require congressional approval. The OSS, which the CIA describes as its forerunner, was established during the Second World War.
In short
- Hegseth has revived the OSS name for a Pentagon special operations office.
- The overhaul includes at least $45 million in annual funding.
- A permanent under-secretary role would need congressional approval.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that elevating the office gives special operations forces a stronger voice, steadier resources and better coordination for missions that can advance national security without large conventional deployments. Dedicated staff and purchasing powers may help the department respond more quickly, while the proposed permanent post would make senior oversight clearer.
The case against
Critics could argue that expanding the office’s budget, staffing and authority risks giving secretive operations more influence without equivalent public scrutiny. Reviving the OSS name may also evoke a wartime intelligence body without clarifying how today’s role differs, and making the post permanent could entrench a higher priority for special operations before Congress and the public have weighed its costs and risks.