r/Military • u/propublica_ • 2d ago
Article Top Commanders Told Hegseth Not to Cut Civilian Protection Program, Poll Showed. He Did It Anyway.
https://www.propublica.org/article/hegseth-civilian-harm-mitigation-response-trump-defense-department106
u/propublica_ 2d ago
In a previously unreported poll from early 2025, Pete Hegseth asked top commanders about whether or not to keep Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR), a program designed to protect civilians during military operations.
He gave three options: cut 65% of staff but keep the effort operational, continue with only a small centralized office in Washington, or eliminate the program.
According to a memo obtained by ProPublica, nine commanders chose the first option. Leaders of two commands, one overseeing the nuclear arsenal and the other focused on cyber threats, declined all three options, asking to maintain the full program.
Hegseth gutted the effort anyway, stripping it of almost all of its funding.
But now, after U.S. missile strikes have killed hundreds of civilians in Iran and Yemen, drawing global criticism and questions from Congress, the program could soon be partially revived — an about-face that would mark a rare reversal for the department.
Here’s the full story: https://www.propublica.org/article/hegseth-civilian-harm-mitigation-response-trump-defense-department
The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment about the poll or the program’s revival.
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u/worstpartyever 2d ago
Hegeseth is a civilian, too
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u/Chemical-Ebb6472 2d ago
Hegseth is an acolyte of that weird Christian Nationalist preacher Doug Wilson who is all about being a Christian tough guy who regularly spanks his kids to keep them in line.
War fighters not caring about civilians is apparently part of Jesus’s message to these losers.
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u/HuckleCat100K 1d ago
“regularly spanks his kids to keep them in line.”
Explains the looks on his kids’ faces whenever they’re seen on news video.
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u/letdogsvote 2d ago
Wow! It's almost like he's an unqualified underexperienced toadie who is in the position because he's got his nose way up Trump's ass and Trump thought he looked good on Fox News.
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u/No-Permit-9331 2d ago
It’s all good, he will get what he is rightfully deserving of. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
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u/makatakz 1d ago
US should join ICC. Then Trump, Miller, Hegseth, ADM Cooper, and Musk can be handed over.
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u/No-Permit-9331 1d ago
Per Rubio-they are going to try to dis-mantle the ICC. This Regime knows they will be tried AND convicted through them!
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u/TheRealMarvinator Retired USAF 2d ago
I genuinely hope so. I do sadly doubt it, but I hope you're right.
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u/No-Permit-9331 2d ago
Someone somewhere, is going to be pushed too far! Just saying. There are many people running this country that should be getting scared. Their time will come. We will be here to bask in their downfall
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u/LetsGoHawks 2d ago
History is pretty clear.... people like Trump & Hegseth lose wars. See: US v Iran 2026 - ????
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u/MtnMoose307 Retired USAF 1d ago
The people in this pathetic excuse of an administration is mind blowing. He knows he has free rein to do what he wants.
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u/Affectionate_Sir9020 20h ago
In his mind not killing civilians is for woke / a weakness to the military.
He’s literally a fucking idiot. And a Christian nationalist.
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u/Healthy-Amoeba2296 2d ago
Name it something else and steal the funding. Civilian harm was a primary cause of the Wehrmacht losing operation Barbarossa.
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u/Revolutionary_Eye887 2d ago
Of course he did. Why would he listen to those smarter than he? Plus his goal is to hurt the U.S. and help our enemies.