Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to a group of military recruits and their friends and family members at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in El Segundo, California, Jan. 8, 2026. Hegseth’s visit marks one of only three times in MEPS history that a secretary of war has visited a MEPs location. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard B. Uranga)