Everything else considered equal, who do you think should be more qualified for position as Secretary of Defense?

[Anonymous]

a civilian or someone in the military? all other criteria is equalized

that means both candidates have same achievements and same dirt but differ on the aspect of one being a civilian and the other being in the military

a civilian with no combat experience working behind a desk

a military/ex-serving military with combat experience in the field

[Anonymous]

I thought all else was equal, so why does one have combat experience and not the other? There are military people who have no combat experience too.

[Asker]

yes there are military people with no combat experience but that's not the point of the question

they are the exact same person but they differ in that one area

[Opinion Owner]

So if that's the only difference, then make them both military. Otherwise that's 2 differences.

[Asker]

no because that's beside the point of the question

[Opinion Owner]

The whole point of the question starts with "all else being equal"

[andreasderjuengere]

Who - A smart person that can distinguish between mindless violence and necessity?

Which can be someone with both of of your options on offer.

[DrPepper12]

It's an admin job, not a platoon leader. Take the civilian who knows how to delegate, organize n leadby building relationships not barking orders

[BarryLiverstone]

Not sure. and I have no say in who it will be so gotta trust others

[Asker]

everything else is considered equal though whatever you can think of

[OddBeMe]

Neither is an issue for the job. Honestly, the founders wanted civilian leadership of the military.

[exitseven]

Somebody who has actually served in the military.

[Dargil]

Hegseth fits my criteria.

[Anonymous]

Trump picked the right guy.