I found that “We’ve never actually lost a war” comment curious as well. Perhaps the author defines losing as being occupied by an enemy nation.
As I see it, we most certainly lost in Vietnam and in Afghanistan. In each case, our objectives were not meet. And we were forced to leave, giving the enemy complete control of the country.
It is important to note that these were NOT battlefield loses. Our military performed superbly in each case. These loses were entirely due to political arrogance and incompetence.
Vietnam is entirely on LBJ.
Afghanistan is entirely on George W. Bush.
I really don’t know which man disgusts me more. Perhaps it’s a tie. But I really don’t blame the presidents who followed them. They were just bit players.
The bottom line is that Hegseth can be the best SoW in history in reforming the military, and it is all a moot point if the US continues to lose every fight in the long run due to issues outside of his control. The enemy doesn’t matter how they win so long as they win, and win they do.