By Rita Cook
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
Credit: Defense.gov
WASHINGTON, DC – When you hear it referred to as the Department of War (DOW) that will not be a faux pas since Pres. Donald Trump’s rebranding of the Department of Defense (DOD).
Signed earlier this month, Trump said “I think it’s a much more appropriate name, especially in light of where the world is right now. We have the strongest military in the world.”
Executive Order 14347’s official name “Restoring the United States Department of War.”
The EO reminded that in August 1789, “President George Washington signed into law a bill establishing the United States Department of War to oversee the operation and maintenance of military and naval affairs. It was under this name that the Department of War, along with the later formed Department of the Navy, won the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, inspiring awe and confidence in our Nation’s military, and ensuring freedom and prosperity for all Americans.”
Trump believes the founders of the United States chose this name to signal the countries strength and resolve to the world.
“The name ‘‘Department of War,’’ more than the current ‘‘Department of Defense,’’ ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend,” the EO explained.
The order also moved to have the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Defense and subordinate officials to use the titles “Secretary of War,” “Department of War,” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial contexts, and non-statutory documents within the executive branch.
Also of note, the Department of Defense website at defense.gov is now directed to war.gov with a heading at the top of the site “U.S. Department of War.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who attended and spoke at the EO signing stated regarding the name change “It is not just about renaming, it’s about restoring.”
He said the military will be on an “offense, not just a defense” position in the future.
The last time the DOD name was changed it took an act of Congress.
That was in 1949 when Harry Truman was president and reorganized the military.
That reorganization began with Truman signing the National Security Act in 1947. From there the Department of the Navy, the newly created Department of the Air Force, and the Department of the Army were merged into what was called the National Military Establishment with a civilian secretary of defense at the helm.
From there the name National Military Establishment was renamed again in 1949, becoming the Department of Defense.
Trump said when he signed the EO he was not sure if the name change would be an act of Congress, “I don’t know, but we’re going to find out, but I’m not sure they have to.”
Other actions regarding the rebranding of the Pentagon’ name came earlier this year when Hegseth began to change the names of bases and ships.
Earlier this summer he also renamed an oiler ship, which had been named after gay rights activist and Navy veteran Harvey Milk.
Rita Cook is a world traveler and writer/editor who specializes in writing on travel, auto, crime and politics. A correspondent for Texas Metro News, she has published 11 books and has also produced low-budget films.
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