Following his public denouncement of the Afghanistan withdrawal and subsequent military discharge, Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller is taking his advocacy to Capitol Hill. Next week, Scheller plans to lead a group of enlisted service members in a direct appeal to senators regarding defense nominee Pete Hegseth.
Scheller, who faced imprisonment for his criticisms of military leadership, emphasized to Fox News Digital that the service members joining him are not high-ranking officials or connected to government think tanks. They represent the rank-and-file, echoing Hegseth's own calls for meritocracy and courage within the military.
While acknowledging the potential need for some form of reprimand for his actions, Scheller believes the accountability should extend to the higher ranks as well. He argues that under Hegseth's leadership, the generals responsible for the flawed withdrawal would have been held responsible, negating the need for his outspoken protests.
Scheller's core message centers on the need for a military that prioritizes winning. He believes Hegseth is poised to address the stagnation within the Pentagon's leadership. He points out that Hegseth, unlike recent nominees, doesn't come from the general officer ranks or defense contracting firms. This outsider status, combined with Hegseth's engagement with veterans, provides a unique understanding of the current military climate.
Scheller's efforts on Capitol Hill will target senators who are undecided on Hegseth's nomination. He aims for quality interactions over quantity, focusing on persuading key decision-makers. He's also releasing a video message emphasizing Hegseth's status as a combat veteran, his independence from the military-industrial complex, and his commitment to peace. Scheller's mission underscores his dedication to advocating for change within the military and supporting leadership that aligns with his vision.
