CTRL + ALT + DEFENSE Lt. Gen. Clint Hinote: Why the Pentagon can't move fast enough
Aug 25, 2025
Retired Lt. Gen. Clint Hinote, a former Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Air Force, shares his insights on military readiness against modern threats like China and Russia. He critiques the Pentagon's focus on PowerPoint presentations over tangible power, emphasizing the need for urgent strategy reforms. The discussion covers the importance of authentic communication within the government and the adaptation of military leadership to new technologies. Hinote also highlights the role of continuous learning and innovative training in preparing for future conflicts.
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Teaching Moments From Two Very Different Fighters
- Clint Hinote loved flying both the high-G F-16 and the stealth F-117 because they exercised different skills and mindsets.
- He found teaching young pilots one of the most rewarding parts of his career when he watched students 'get it' in real time.
Near Midair Collisions That Shaped Perspective
- Hinote shared two near-midair collision incidents that stuck with him despite his long career.
- He emphasized that good safety rules and training kept him and students alive across many combat hours.
War Games Show Growing Strategic Risk
- Hinote says the U.S. is not ready to fight China in a high-end conflict despite earlier confidence.
- He cites war games and studies like the Overmatch Brief showing the U.S. increasingly lost simulated contests by the late 2010s.