Carl Higbie, a former Navy SEAL and conservative commentator, recently took to his Newsmax show to defend traditional military standards. He argued that America’s armed forces must prioritize strength and discipline over what he called “liberal weak spots” in policies. Higbie praised General Dan Caine, a Trump-era leader, as the kind of no-nonsense figure needed to keep the military tough.
Higbie slammed recent pushes to adjust fitness standards or uniform rules, calling them “distractions from real readiness.” He pointed to his SEAL experience, saying elite forces thrive on high expectations. “You don’t win wars with yoga mats and participation trophies,” he said, mocking softer approaches some Democrats support.
The commentator blamed “woke” culture for lowering morale and confusing troops. He claimed focus on diversity initiatives and political correctness has hurt recruitment numbers. “When I served, we cared about winning, not pronouns,” Higbie said. His remarks echoed concerns many conservatives share about the military’s direction under Democratic leaders.
Higbie’s support for General Caine tied into broader conservative praise for Trump-era policies. He called Caine a “warrior’s warrior” who wouldn’t let politics dilute combat effectiveness. Critics argue such views ignore modern challenges, but Higbie insists tradition matters. “Our enemies aren’t woke — they’re ruthless,” he warned.
The former SEAL also revisited past scandals, like SEALs sent home for misconduct. He argued strict accountability prevents bigger problems but accused liberals of exploiting mistakes to push agendas. “Mistakes happen in war, but we fix them internally — not with CNN cameras,” he said.
Higbie’s message resonated with viewers who see the military as a last bastion of American values. He urged veterans to speak out against leadership they view as weak. “Silent pros built this force,” he said. “Now vocal patriots must save it.”
Democrats fired back, calling Higbie’s takes outdated and divisive. They argue modernizing standards helps attract talent and reflect America’s diversity. But conservatives counter that readiness requires unity, not “social experiments.”
As debates over military culture rage, voices like Higbie’s frame the fight as one for America’s soul. His blend of service credentials and blunt talk continues to fuel a base demanding toughness over compromise. For many on the right, Higbie isn’t just a pundit — he’s a rallying cry.
